The knee joint Flashcards
What bones articulate at the knee joint?
Femur, Tibia, Fibula
what 2 joints are at the knee joint?
Tibiofemoral joint, Patellofemoral joint
What are the 3 functions of the knee joint?
- support body weight
- transmit forces between femur and tibia (stability)
- Provide movement for locomotion and activities of daily living
What 2 things does the knee joint provide?
Stability and mobility
What type of joint is the tibiofemoral joint?
bicondylar joint consisting of femoral condyles and tibial articular surfaces
femoral condyles
Medial -larger and more oval
Lateral -smaller and circular
What are the menisci?
They are semi-lunar fibrocartilage discs
Lateral meniscus- 4/5ths of a circle with a large surface area
Medial meniscus- medial meniscus
Function of the menisci?
- Increase congruence between articular surfaces
- Assist weight bearing across joint
- Shock absorbers
- Facilitate accessory movements
What are the 4 major ligaments in the knee?
Medial collateral ligament
Lateral collateral ligament
Anterior cruciate ligament
Posterior Cruciate ligament
Medial collateral ligament
- broad flat band
- 10cm long
- extra-capsular
-prevents valgus movement (Abduction), ‘knock knees’
Lateral collateral ligament
- Extra-capsular
- Shorter than mcl
Prevents valgus displacement, ‘Bow legged’
Anterior cruciate ligament
- Intracapsular
- from anterior intercondylar area of the tibia to the lateral femoral condyle
Posterior cruciate ligament
- Intracapsular
- Posterior intercondylar area of the tibia to medial femoral condyle
What is the patellofemoral joint?
Synovial joint, saddle joint
- between articular surface of patella
- Patella surface of femur
What is the Patella and its function?
Largest sesamoid bone in the body, embedded in the quadriceps tendon and femoral condyles
Function: Anatomic pulley: increases range of movement and stops articulating bones jamming and tension being placed upon the quadriceps.
Reduces friction between the quadriceps tendon and femoral condyles.
