1. The Knee
Anatomy
Mazyad Alotaibi

2. The Knee Joint Complex Tibiofemoral Joint* Patellofemoral Joint*
Tibiofibular Joint
Capsular Pattern – Greater loss of flexion than extension

3. Bones
Femur – condyles covered with articular cartilage, intercondylar groove, patella groove
Tibia – bifid plateau
Patella – medial and lateral articulating facets
-increases the lever arm of the quadriceps
-increases the distribution of compressive force on the femur in full flexion

4. Strong ligaments provide the static stability system for the knee

5. MCL & LCL
Provide medial/ lateral stability and prevent excessive external rotation of the tibia
Frequently injured on the joint line
MCL – Frequently injured by an external rotation strain
Has deep and superficial fibres
LCL – Frequently injured by adduction blow to the knee

6. ACL Ant part of intercondylar area Up, back, lateral
Med asp of lat fem condyle

7. ACL & PCL Provide ant / post stability of the knee
ACL – also controls rotation
Commonly injured by forced internal rotation of the femur on a fixed tibia and flexed knee
PCL – strongest
-Commonly injured in flexion with an anterior force

8. Joint capsule – attached to the medial meniscus and MCL
Coronary Ligaments – bind the menisci to the tibia

9. Menisci Lateral and medial Peripherally thicker than central
Transverse lig attaches
Increase stability
Shock absorbing
Lubrication and nutrition
Injured during twisting activities

10. Musculature Dynamic stability system of the knee

11. ITB – anterior and lateral stability and prevent excessive internal rotation of the tibia
Quadriceps – Lat vs med to maintain patella in groove
Sartorius and Gracilis – medial stability, knee and hip flex

12. Hamstrings Prevent anterior displacement of the tibia
Pes anserine – sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosis.
Biceps femoris
Primarily produce knee flex and also external rotation of the tibia

13. Gastrocnemius – primarily ankle flexor also assists with knee flexion
Popliteus – WB external rotation and extension of the tibia
Attaches to the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and pulls back the posterior horn to unlock the knee

14. Bursa Suprapatellar – continuation of the synovial sac Prepatellar
Deep and superficial infrapatellar
Also semimembranosus and med head of gastroc,
Gastroc heads and capsule
Pes anserine tendon

15. Surface markings Joint line Medial collateral ligament
Lateral collateral ligament
Medial coronarys
Gerdy’s Tubercle
Pes Anseurine Bursa