thigh and knee prac

Question 1

Observe the difference in anterior-posterior length of the articular surfaces of the lateral and medial femoral condyles. What affect does this have on tibiofemoral joint movement?

Answer 1

the medial femoral condyle is longer, thus medial condyle stays in contact with the tibia for longer producing medial rotation in extension
- screw-home mechanism

Question 2

Compare the shapes & relative sizes of the tibial condyles with those of the femoral
condyles. How do the differences affect knee joint stability and motion?

Answer 2

distal portion of femoral condyle has a larger radius of curvature meaning is flatter. In knee extension this articulates with the flat tibial plateau and is more stable for compression. However, when flexed, the tibial plateau is articulating with the more curved surface making in less stable

Question 3

What is the normal alignment of the femur and tibia in the coronal plane?

Answer 3

5˚ genu valgus

Question 4

Describe the normal alignment in the sagittal plane:

Answer 4

posterior inclination

Question 5

Define the clinical term: genu recurvatum

Answer 5

hyperextension of tibiofemoral joint

Question 6

What are the functions of the menisci?

Answer 6

transfer load from upper leg to lower leg and stabilise the knee during flex and extension by increasing contact area
- also protects hyaline cartilage under menuscu

Question 7

Which meniscus is less mobile and what is the possible consequence of this?

Answer 7

medial meniscus is less mobile and therefore it is not able to more out of the way and its more likely to be torn

Question 8

which compartment is larger?

Answer 8

medial

Question 9

Which compartment bears more weight and what is a possible consequence of this?

Answer 9

medial compartment

Question 10

Which is the most common direction of subluxation / dislocation of the patella?

Answer 10

laterally

Question 11

What are the restraints to dislocation?

Answer 11

lateral condyle
quads
patella tendon

Question 12

How would a patellectomy affect knee extensor strength? Explain.

Answer 12

decreases strength, patella increases MA

(changes line of action) therefore increase strength

Question 13

How would you test for tightness of the rectus femoris?

Answer 13

MLT, hip ext, knee flex, side lying

Question 14

Why is it important to assess the activity of vastus medialis obliquus in patients with
patellofemoral pain?

Answer 14

_ VMO is the only muscle that contributes a medial line of action to counteract lateral aspects of VL and RF

Question 15

Describe the functions of the quadriceps femoris muscle group during walking.

Answer 15

RF flexes the hip for walking

they all stabalise the patella during walking

Question 16

• How do the posterior thigh muscles produce knee rotation?

Answer 16

in knee flx

Question 17

Iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) is a relatively common overuse injury in endurance runners and cyclists. Briefly describe the mechanism of ITBFS.

Answer 17

the rubbing of the band of tissue as it passes over a bony bump on the inside of the knee joint.
ITB is overloaded as it attemps to stabilise hip and knee

Question 18

FLEXION

Answer 18

biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, sartorius,

gastrocnemius

Question 19

EXTENSION

Answer 19

RF, VL, VM, VIM

Question 20

MEDIAL ROTATION

Answer 20

SEMITEN., SEMIMEM.

Question 21

LATERAL ROTATION

Answer 21

BICEPS FEM