The knee joint is the largest synovial joint in the body. It is composed of three bones: the femur, tibia, and patella. The knee joint has two articulations: the tibiofemoral joint between the femur and tibia, and the patellofemoral joint between the patella and femur. The knee joint is a compound synovial joint, with the tibiofemoral joint being a hinge type and the patellofemoral joint being a plane type. The knee joint is surrounded by ligaments such as the ACL and PCL, and contains a synovial fluid within its capsule. It also contains menisci that act as cushions and increase stability.
2. Intro
The largest synovial joint of the body.
Composed of 3 bones :
- femur
- tibia
- patella
2 articulations :
- tibiofemoral
- patellofemoral
3. Tibio femoral joint
Between the distal end of the femur
and the proximal end of the tibia
4. Patella femoral joint
Between the posterior aspect of the
patella and the anterior intercondylar
surface of the femur
5. Type
It is a compound synovial joint
Tibiofemoral – synovial hinge types of
joint
Patellofemoral – synovial plane types
of joint
6. Q angle
It is an angle formed by two intersecting
lines :
- anterior superior illiac spine ( ASIS )
mid patella
- tibial tubercle mid patella
10° - 15° in male
10° - 19° in female
Increase of the angle causes the Genu
Valgum ( knock knee )
Decrease of the angle causes the Genu
9. Capsule
It is attached to the margins of the
articular surfaces and covering the
joint.
Covering the joints and contains a
lubricating fluid,called the synovial
fluid.
10. Meniscus
C- shaped sheets of fibrocartilage.
The superior surface is in contact with the
femoral condyles.
Inferior surface is in contact with the tibial
condyles.
Serves as cushion to the bones &
increase the stability of the joint.
Prevent the bones to rub at each other
while doing activities and producing a
cracking sound
Rubbing of the bones could lead to
Osteoarthritis and other joint disease.