Knee Joint
Definition
A joint of the lower limb formed by the femur, tibia and patella
Has two components : tibiofemoral componet and the patellofemoral component
Formation of the joint
The knee joint is formed by the two condyles of the femur, the patella, and the upper surface of the tibia; the tibial plateau. The condyles of the femur does not sit on the tibia directly. Intervening between the two bones are two cartilagenous discs for cushioning effect called medial and lateral meniscus.
The joint is kept steady by various ligaments situated inside and outside
Ligaments
Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments
Laterally the joint is supported by the lateral collateral ligament and medially by the medial collateral ligament
Synovium
a membrane lining the joint inside which secretes synovial fluid which lubricates the joint and nourishes the structures inside viz (namely) the cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL), the articular cartilages and the menisci
Movements
Flexion
Extension
A mild degree of rotation during locking of the joint to help standing steadily
Applied anatomy
Tear of the meniscus; frequently the medial meniscus
Snapping of the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament
Arthritis
Knee effusion
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