The Knee Joint

Question 1

Answer 1

Bones:
1. patella
2. fibula
3. tibia
4. femur

Articular surfaces:
a. medial femoral epicondyle
b. lateral femoral epicondyle
c. lateral tibial condyle
d. medial tibial condyle
e. tibial tuberosity

Question 2

what type of joint is the knee joint?
what movements is it capable of?

Answer 2

• synovial ginge
• flexion, extension and a small amount of active and passive axial rotation

Question 3

which is the most important muscle group which helps to stabilise the knee joint?

Answer 3

quadriceps

Question 4

label the ligaments of the knee joint

Answer 4

1. fibular (lateral) collateral ligament
2. tibial (medial) collateral ligament
3. anterior cruciate ligament
4. posterior cruciate ligament

Question 5

The fibular, or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) extends from where to where?

Answer 5

from the lateral epicondyle of the femur to the lateral surface of the head of the fibula

Question 6

the tendon of which muscle passes deep to the LCL, separating it from the lateral meniscus?

Answer 6

popliteus

Question 7

the tibial, or medial collateral ligament (MCL) extends from what to what?

Answer 7

extends from the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial surface of the tibia, with an attachment to the medial epicondyle of the tibia.
At its midpoint the MCL is attached to the medial mensicus of the knee.

Question 8

At its midpoint the MCL is attached onto the medial meniscus of the knee
Why is the attachment of the MCL to the medial meniscus clinically important?

Answer 8

it is a primary static stabiliser of the knee

Question 9

what movement does the ACL prevent?

Answer 9

prevents the femur from sliding posterior on the tibia (prevents anterior dislocation of the tibia).

Question 10

what movement does the PCL prevent?

Answer 10

prevents the femur from sliding anterior on the tibia (prevents posterior dislocation of the tibia)

Question 11

what is the purpose of the popliteus muscle?

Answer 11

The popliteus muscle is a small but nevertheless important muscle in helping release the fully extended or “locked” knee.
When flexing from a fully extended position, the muscle rotates the femur laterally on the tibia (or vice-versa), allowing for the unimpeded movement of the joint

Question 12

Answer 12

1. medial meniscus ligament
2. lateral meniscus
3. anterior cruciate ligament
4. posterior cruciate ligament

Question 13

what are the main functions of the menisci?

Answer 13

stability of articulation
distribution of axial load
absorption of shock
provides lubrication to the knee joint

Question 14

which meniscus firmly adheres to the deep surface of the tibial or medial collateral ligament?

Answer 14

medial mensicus

Question 15

what is the largest sesamoid bone in the body?

Answer 15

patella

Question 16

the patella acts as an anchor point for which structures?

Answer 16

quadriceps femoris tendon superiorly
patellar ligament inferiorly

Question 17

which movement of the knee causes the patella to move?

Answer 17

flexion

Question 18

Answer 18

1. prepatella bursa
2. deep infrapatella bursae
3. superficial infrapatellar bursae

Question 19

which bursa communicates with the articular cavity of the knee joint?
what is the significance of this?

Answer 19

suprapatellar bursa
- spread of infection in the cavity

Question 20

what causes housemaid’s knee?

Answer 20

inflammation and swelling in the prepatellar bursa