The Knee

Question 1

What are the bones which articulate to form the knee joint?

Answer 1

There is articulation between the femur and tibia ad also between the femur and patella

Question 2

What is the function of the fibrocartilaginous minisci on each side of the femoral condyles?

Answer 2

• To deepen the articular surface of tibia providing more stability
• To act as shock absorbers by increasing surface area
• They improve congruency between the femoral and tibial condyles accommodating for the changes in shape of articulating surfaces during joint movement

Question 3

What type of synovial joint is the knee joint?

Answer 3

A hinge joint

Question 4

What are the two minisci connected by?

Answer 4

Transverse ligament

Question 5

What ligaments are attached to the patella?

Answer 5

Superiorly:quadriceps femoris tendon
Inferiorly: patella ligament

Question 6

What is the benefit of having a patella?

Answer 6

Acts as a fulcrum to increase the effect on knee extension

Question 7

Damage to which ligament will usually also result in a medial meniscal tear?

Answer 7

Medial collateral ligament

Question 8

Which bursa is located between the quadriceps femoris and the femur?

Answer 8

Suprapatellar bursa

Question 9

Which bursa is located between the apex of the patella and the skin?

Answer 9

Prepatellar bursa

Question 10

Which bursae are located either side of the patella ligament?

Answer 10

Deep and superficial infrapatellar bursae

Question 11

Which bursa is located posteriorly in the knee joint, in between the semimembranosus muscle and medial head of the gastrocnemius?

Answer 11

Semimembranosus bursa

Question 12

Where are the collateral ligaments found and what is their purpose

Answer 12

They are found lateral and medial to the knee joint with the purpose of stabilising the joint

Question 13

Which of the collateral ligaments is broad and flat and which one is thinner and more cord like?

Answer 13

Medial collateral ligament is broad and flat whereas the lateral collateral ligament is thinner and so more like a cord

Question 14

Where are the cruciate ligaments located and how are they positioned around eachother?

Answer 14

They are found in the intercondylar region of the knee and cross eachother (hands in pockets)

Question 15

What are the four main movements that the knee joint permits?

Answer 15

Extension, flexion, medial rotation, lateral rotation

Question 16

In what situation does the knee have to be in to perform medial or lateral rotation?

Answer 16

The knee must be flexed otherwise this rotation will occur at the hip joint

Question 17

How can you assess which collateral ligament has been damaged?

Answer 17

Ask patient to medially and laterally rotate the knee. Damage to medial collateral ligament means medial rotation will be painful

Question 18

What makes up the unhappy triad (blown knee)?

Answer 18

Rupture of medial collateral ligament in turn causing damage to medial meniscus. Anterior cruciate ligament is also damaged

Question 19

Where does the blood supply to the knee come from?

Answer 19

Genicular branches of the femoral and popliteal ateries

Question 20

What nerves supply the knee?

Answer 20

Femoral tibial and common peroneal/fibular