UNFINISHED Anatomy of the Hip and Knee

Question 1

What are the articulating surfaces that make up the knee joint?

Answer 1

Ball - femoral head

Socket - Acetabulum / acetabular cavity

Question 2

Describe the cartilaginous layer of the acetabular cavity? Does the cartilage cover the full circumference?

Answer 2

Cartilage covers a C shaped area of the superior portion of the acetabular cavity

Cartilage absent at the bottom, as the cavity is completed not by bone but by the transverse acetabular ligament

Question 3

Which structures function to increase the depth of the acetabular cavity?

Answer 3

• Acetabular labrum

- Transverse acetabular ligament

Question 4

Where does the ligament of the head of the femur (ligamentum teres) insert? What is its function?

Answer 4

Inserts on the pit / fovea at the tip of the head of the femur

Doesn’t provide too much support, but provides a path to transmit the blood vessels necessary to supply the head of the femur

Question 5

What are the three most important ligaments of the hip joint capsule?

Answer 5

1. Ileofemoral ligament (strongest)
2. Pubofemoral ligament
3. Ischiofemoral ligament

Question 6

Describe the structure and function of the ileofemoral ligament?

Answer 6

• Y shaped ligament
• Attaches to anterior inferior iliac spine and then inserts at two points along the intertrochanteric line
• Functions to prevent hyperextension of the hip joint

Question 7

What is the function of the pubofemoral ligament? Structure?

Answer 7

Originates at pubis and inserts on femur

Functions to prevent overabduction of the hip joint

Question 8

Describe the structure and function of the ischiofemoral ligament?

Answer 8

Originates at ischial part of acetabular rim, inserts on neck of femur

Prevents overextension of hip joint

Question 9

What is the chief flexor of the hip joint? Where does it originate and insert?

Answer 9

• Iliopsoas muscle (iliacus + psoas major)
• Psoas major originates at L1-4, iliacus originates at upper two thirds of iliac fossa
• Both insert onto the Lesser trochanter via the iliopsoas tendon

Question 10

What are some of the other flexors of the hip joint?

Answer 10

• Sartorius
• Tensor fasciae latae
• Rectus femoris
• Pectineus
• Adductor longus, brevis and magnus
• Gracilis

Question 11

What is the main hip extensor muscle?

Answer 11

Gluteus maximus

gluteus medius and minimus work alongside

Question 12

What are some other hip extensor muscles?

Answer 12

Hamstrings (semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris)

Adductor magnus (posterior / ischial part)