PT4 - The Knee

Question 1

Why does knee pain occur?

Answer 1

• vulnerable to large forces + asking forces not to travel in straight lines => magnify stress that the knee is under
• acts in physiological valgus => knees want to be closer together to make us efficient

Question 2

What are the specialisations of the knee?

Answer 2

• femoral condyle shape changes with movement —> standing still very congruent with menisci —> transfer forces efficiently (no mm effort)
• dynamic movement in flexion => rounded surfaces => muscles are more active and provide extra stability (hamstrings) => stabilise tibial plateau => allows for knee extension
• if hamstrings shorten => compromises function of leg to extend

Question 3

What happens if the hamstrings shorten?

Answer 3

• compromises leg to extend

Question 4

What is the function of the patella?

Answer 4

• improves force transferral from quads from midrange to maximal contact with patella

Question 5

What happens to the quads when the knee is injured?

Answer 5

• waste very easily when injured

Question 6

What happens to the poplitealus muscle in the knee?

Answer 6

• unlocks the knee
• as we get to extension, we rely on this and ligaments for the integrity of the knee