The Structure of The Knee Joint (week 6) Flashcards
state 3 basic structural facts about the knee joint
- the largest, and one of the most complex, joints
- a bicondylar (modified) hinge joint allowing flexion, extension, and some rotation
- knee structure permits tremendous weight bearing capabilities as well as the mobility required for locomotor activities
state the names of the 3 articulations found at the knee joint
- medial tibiofemoral joint
- lateral tibiofemoral joint
- patellofemoral joint
state 3 facts about the medial, and lateral, tibiofemoral joints
- bicondylar articulation between the medial and lateral condyles of the tibia with the femur
- permits a large ROM (flexion + extension)
- permits a small degree of rotation (when the knee is flexed and the foot is off the ground)
what is the patellofemoral joint
consists of articulation between the triangular shaped patella, encased in the patella tendon with the trochlear groove between the femoral condyles
state 3 facts about the patella
- a sesamoid bone which can improve the mechanical advantage of the knee by up to 50%
- moves along the trochlear groove between the femoral condyles
- posterior surface is covered with articular cartilage to reduce friction
state 3 basic facts about the stability of the knee joint
- shape of articulating bones provide little stability at the knee joint
- tibial plateaus form only slight depressions separated by the intercondylar eminence
- therefore, other structures are required to provide stability
state what it is meant by the key term - tibial plateaus
tibial plateaus are where the condyles of the tibia form slight depressions separated by a region known as the ‘intercondylar eminence’
state what it is meant by the key term - menisci
menisci are fibrocartilage semi lunar discs located between the tibial and femoral condyles are are connected by a transverse ligament
state 2 structural facts about the menisci
- thickest part at the peripheral borders and then taper down at the inner edges
- the medial menisci merges with the joint capsule and the medial collateral ligament
state 2 functional properties of the menisci
- increase the connectivity of the tibial plateaus
2. distribute load in the knee over a large surface area and play a key role in shock absorption
state 4 facts (3 functional) about the ligaments of the knee
- cruciate ligaments make a cross with the knee capsule
- limit anterior and posterior movement of the tibia in relation to the femur during flexion and extension
- limit hyperextension (along with the posterior knee capsule)
- also restrict medial and lateral rotation
state what it is meant by the key term - anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
connects the anterior aspect of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia to the posterior medial surface of the lateral condyle of the femur
state what it is meant by the key term - posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
connects the posterior aspect of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia to the anterior surface of the lateral condyle of the femur
state what it is meant by the key term - lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
connects the lateral epicondyle of the femur to the head of the fibula and resists varus motion (knees out) of the knee
state what it is meant by the key term - medial collateral ligament (MCL)
connects the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial tibia and resists valgus motion (knees in) of the knee