Knee Anatomy. Knee Joint The most poorly constructed joint in the body. Femur has rounded distal epiphysis while proximal epiphysis of Tibia is flat.

Knee Anatomy

Knee Joint• The most poorly constructed joint in

the body. Femur has rounded distal epiphysis while proximal epiphysis of Tibia is flat. Creates a very unstable design.

• Comprised of four separate bones.– Femur– Tibia– Fibula– Patella

Femur and Tibia• Articular cartilage

covers the ends of both the femur and the tibia.

• Medial and Lateral Condyles- found at the distal end of the Femur.

• Medial and lateral Condyles found at the proximal end of the Tibia.

Patella

• Patella tendon- attaches onto the anterior of the Tibia.

• Provides protection of Knee Joint, Patella also lifts tendons to increase leverage.

• Quadriceps tendon-attaches the Quadriceps to the patella.

Cruciate Ligaments• Major stabilizing

ligaments in the knee.• Anterior Cruciate

Ligament (ACL)-prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur.

• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) prevents knee from hyperextending

• Injuries are most often caused by hyperflexion and hyperextension of the knee or rotation at the knee.

Cruciate Ligaments• Posterior Cruciate

Ligament (PCL)-It prevents the tibia from sliding backwards under the femur.

• Injuries usually caused by Hyperextension

• These cruciate ligaments get their name for their cross over (crucifix) arrangement.

Collateral Ligament• Medial Collateral

Ligament (MCL)- connect the tibia and the femur on the medial side of the knee joint.

• A force from the lateral side could cause a tear to MCL.

• Very common injury in many contact sports.

Collateral Ligament

• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)- connect the fibula to the femur on the lateral side of knee.

• A force from the medial side (rare) can cause a tear of the LCL.

Cartilage

• Articulate Cartilage-covers the moving parts of the knee.

• Very smooth and slippery.

• Chronic damage to articulate cartilage leads to osteoarthritis.

Cartilage • Meniscus- half moon shaped cartilage (Fibrocartilage) lying between the knee joint.

• These Menisces (Lateral/Medial) act as shock absorbers to handle pounding in the joint.

• Often prone to tearing, which may require surgery to remove fragment.

Meniscus Tear

Knee Injuries• ACL Replacement surgery.• Often requires harvesting

1/3rd of Patellar tendon or from cadaver.

• Animation• Animation 2

KNEE SURGERYArthroscopic Surgery for Torn Meniscus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pguNCtOwzEc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8EpT3uCVWU

Checkout Animation on Arthroscopic Surgery