The Knee Flashcards
What are the functions of the knee?
• Support body weight
• Transmit forces between femur and tibia
• Provide movement for locomotion and activities of daily living
What is the structural classification of the knee?
Synovial
What are the articulating surfaces of the tibiofemoral joint?
Femoral condyles and tibial articular surfaces
What are the functions of the two menisci on top of the tibial articular surfaces?
• Increases congruence between articular surfaces
• Assist weight bearing across joint
• Shock absorption
• Facilitate accessory movements
What are the four major ligaments of the tibiofemoral joint?
• Medial collateral ligament
• Lateral collateral ligament
• Anterior cruciate ligament
• Posterior cruciate ligament
What are the properties of the medial collateral ligament?
• Broad
• Extra-capsular
• Prevents valgus displacement (abnormal abduction)
What are the properties of the lateral collateral ligament?
• Strong cord
• Extra-capsular
• Prevents varus displacement (abnormal adduction)
What are the properties of the anterior cruciate ligament?
• Intra-capsular
• From anterior intercondylar area of tibia to lateral femoral condyles (goes in same direction as hands in pockets)
• Prevents anterior tibial displacement
What are the properties of the posterior cruciate ligament?
• Intra-capsular
• From posterior intercondylar area of tibia to medial femoral condyle (PCL goes opposite direction as hands in pockets)
• Prevents posterior tibial displacement
What is the structural classification of the patellofemoral joint?
Saddle joint (synovial)
What is the structural classification of the tibiofemoral joint?
Bicondylar (synovial)
What are the articulating surfaces of the patellofemoral joint?
Articular surface of patella and patellar surface of femur
What are the functions of the patella?
• Acts as an anatomical pulley
• Reduces friction between quadriceps tendon and femoral condyles
• Moves proximally in extension and distally in flexion
What type of bone is the patella?
Sesamoid (embedded in a tendon)
What are the ranges of motion of the knee?
• Flexion 0-140º
• Medial (internal) rotation 0-25º
• Lateral (external) rotation 0-40º
What are the knee extensors?
• Rectus femoris
• Vastus lateralis
• Vastus intermedius
• Vastus medialis
Where is the origin of rectus femoris?
AIIS (anterior inferior iliac spine) and groove (posterior) above the acetabulum
Where does rectus femoris insert?
Superior aspect of the patellar tendon to tibial tuberosity
What are the actions of rectus femoris?
Knee extension, hip flexion and anterior pelvic rotation