The Knee Flashcards
What bones articulate at the knee?
Femur
Patella
Tibia
3 joints at the knee
Patellofemoral joint
Tibiofemoral joint (Knee)
Proximal tibiofibular joint
6 connective tissues in the knee
ACL
PCL
MCL
LCL
Lateral and medial meniscus
What is the ACL?
Anterior cruciate ligament
Limits anterior displacement of the tibia relative to femur and limits excessive rotation
What is the PCL?
Posterior cruciate ligament
Limits posterior displacement of tibia in relation to femur
What is the LCL?
Lateral collateral ligament which provides lateral stability against verum stress
What is the MCL?
Medial collateral ligament which provides medial stability for knee valgum and excessive external rotation
Movements at the knee
Flexion
Extension
External rotation
Internal rotation
Muscles compartments of the knees and their roles
Anterior - extension
Posterior - flexion
Anterior muscles in the knee
Rectus femoris
Vastus lateralis
Vastus intermedius
Vastus medialis
Posterior muscles of the knee
Biceps femoris
Semimembranosus
Semitendinosus
Sartorius
Gracilis
- Popliteus
- Gastrocnemius
- Plantaris
Biarticular muscles
Articulate at two joints, meaning their origin/insertions cross two joints.
Biarticular muscles at the knee
Rectus femoris
Biceps femoris LH
Semitendinosus
Semimembranosus
Sartorius
Gracilis
Biceps femoris origins
LH: Ischial tuberosity
SH: Lower linea aspera
Biceps femoris insertion
(Laterally) Head of fibula and lateral tibial condyle
Innervation of biceps femoris
Sciatic nerve
Biceps femoris palpation
Posterolateral aspect of upper leg (w/ Knee flexion and external rotation)
Semimembranosus origin
Ischial tuberosity
Semitendinosus origin
Ischial tuberosity
Semimembranosus insertion
Posterior of medial tibial condyle
Semitendinosus insertion
Anterior of tibia, just below medial condyle.
Innervation of semimembranosus
Sciatic nerve
Innervation of semitendinosus
Sciatic nerve
Palpation of semi membranosis and semi tendanosis
Posterolateral aspect of upper leg with knee flexion and external rotation.
Rectus femoris origin
Anterior inferior iliac spine
Rectus femoris insertion
Tibial tuberosity (via patellar tendon) and superior aspect of patella
Innervation of rectus femoris
Femoral nerve
Vastus intermedius origin
Upper 2/3 of anterior femur surface
Vastus intermedius insertion
Tibial tuberosity (via patellar tendon) and superior aspect of patella
Innervation of vastus intermedius
Femoral nerve
Palpation of vastus intermedius
Deeper muscle
Vastus medialis origin
Linea aspera
vastus medialis insertion
Tibial tuberosity (via patellar tendon) and medial aspect of patella
Vastus medialis innervation
Femoral nerve
vastus medialis palpation
Straight down anterior thigh with knee extension
Vastus lateralis origin
Greater trochanter, linea aspera and gluteal tuberosity
Vastus lateralis insertion
Tibial tuberosity (via patellar tendon) and lateral aspect of patella
Vastus lateralis innervation
Femoral nerve
Palpation of vastus lateralis
Deeper muscle
Knee flexors
Hamstrings
Popliteus
Gastrocnemius
Sartorius
Gracilis
Muscle responsible for external rotation
Biceps femoris as inserts laterally
Muscles responsible for internal rotation
Semimembranosus, semitendinosus, gracilis and sartorius as all insert medially.
Flexors of the knee
Hamstrings (BF, SM, ST)
Popliteus
Gastrocnemius
Sartorius
Gracilis
Extensors of the knee
Rectus femoris
Vastus lateralis
Vastus intermedius
Vastus medialis
What is the Q angle
Angle between the line of quadriceps (ASIS to midpoint of patella) and the line of the patella tendon to tibial tuberosity.