Anatomy of the Knee

Question 1

Bones of the knee

Answer 1

Femur, Tibia and patella

Question 2

Purpose of the patella

Answer 2

• Its smooth back surface allows it to glide easily in the
  groove between the femoral condyles, preventing wear
  and tear on the tendon.
• It protects the knee joint.
• It increases mechanical advantage of the quadriceps
  tendon.

Question 3

Purpose of the meniscus

Answer 3

• Helps track femur’s movement on the tibia.
• Provides structural integrity when knee is undergoing
  torsion (twisting) and movement.
• Reduces friction.
• Aids in shock absorption and weight distribution.

Question 4

Strategies for avoiding the knee hyperextension

Answer 4

• Use a prop to physically prevent the joint from hyperextending.
• Cue muscular effort to prevent hyperextension.
• Cue pressing into the big toe mound to release the back of the knee.
• Cue a softening or bending behind the knee joint.

Question 5

Passive Knee Stability

Answer 5

The four ligaments of the knee provide passive stability for the joint.

The collateral ligaments prevent side-to-side movement of the
tibia.
* Medial collateral ligament
* Lateral collateral ligament
The cruciate ligaments prevent the tibia from moving forward or
backwards relative to the femur.
* Anterior cruciate ligament
* Posterior cruciate ligament

Question 6

Active Knee Stability

Answer 6

• Hamstrings
• Quadriceps femoris
• Sartorius
• Gracilis
• Gastrocnemius
• Gluteus maximus and tensor fascia latae via IT Band