The Knee Complex Flashcards
What bones are involved in the knee complex?
The femur (thigh bone)
The tibia (shin bone)
The fibula sits posteriorly to the tibia but isn’t connected to the knee joint
The patella sits in front of the knee
What are the ligaments involved in the knee joint?
Medial collateral ligament
Lateral collateral ligament
Posterior cruciate ligament
Anterior cruciate ligament
What is the extensor mechanism made from?
The patella, patella tendon, quadriceps and quadriceps tendon
What nerves are involved in the knee joint?
Tibial: travels to lower leg, supplying sensation and muscle control
Common peroneal: travels around outside of knee and down front of leg to the foot
What blood vessel is in the knee joint?
The popliteal artery/vein travels with the tibia nerve down the back of the knee and leg
What are the intra-articular structures?
Menisci - cartilage structure, on top of tibial condyles, increase stability by increasing SA, absorb shock, washes synovial fluids over joint
ACL and PCL
What are the extra-articular structures?
Collateral ligament
What are the roles of ACL and MCL in flexion and extension?
Flexion: ACL slack, MCL taught
Extension: MCL slack, ACL taught
What are the roles of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments?
Medial: prevents excess valgus movement
Lateral: prevents excess varus movement
Where does the popliteal fossa run and what does it contain?
Passing between thigh and leg
Contains nerves (sciatic, tibial, common peroneal)
Veins/arteries (femoral/popliteal)
What type of joint it the patellofemoral joint and where is the articulation?
Synovial plane joint
Femoral condyles and intercondylar region articulates with retro surface of patella
What are the functions of the patella?
Protects femoral condyles
Distribution of force across femoral condyles
Increased efficiency in quadriceps
What muscles flex the knee?
Biceps femoris
Semi tendinosus
Semi membrinosus
What muscles extend the knee?
Rectus femoris
Vastus lateralis, intermedialis, medialis
