8. Knee Ligaments, Joints, Meniscus, Bursae, and Injuries

Flashcards covering key anatomical structures, functions, common injuries, and special tests related to the knee joint, derived from lecture notes.

Which two knee collateral ligaments can be palpated?

The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL).

What is the primary function of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)?

It prevents anterior translation (sliding forward) of the tibia on the femur.

What are common mechanisms of injury for an ACL tear?

Pivoting, cutting, or an abrupt change of direction (non-contact), or a direct blow lateral to medial (contact).

What are common signs of an ACL tear?

A 'pop' sound, immediate and significant swelling, and a feeling of instability or the knee 'giving out'.

What is the primary function of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)?

It prevents posterior translation (sliding backward) of the tibia on the femur.

What are common mechanisms of injury for a PCL tear?

Hyperextension of the knee or a direct blow to the flexed knee (e.g., dashboard injury).

What is the primary function of the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)?

It provides support against valgus stress (force applied to the outside of the knee causing the knee to go inward).

What is the primary function of the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)?

It provides support against varus stress (force applied to the inside of the knee causing the knee to go outward).

Which knee ligament is the only one that attaches to the fibular head?

The Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL).

What structures are involved in the 'Unhappy Triad' injury of the knee?

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), and the medial meniscus.

Name the three main joints (articulations) within the knee complex.

Tibiofemoral joint (femur and tibia), Patellofemoral joint (patella and femur), and Tibiofibular joint (tibia and fibula).

What is the function of the menisci in the knee?

They act as shock absorbers and help to protect and cushion the knee joint.

What are the shapes of the medial and lateral menisci?

The medial meniscus is C-shaped, and the lateral meniscus is O-shaped.

What degree of knee flexion places the most pressure on the meniscus?

90 degrees of knee flexion.

What are bursae and what is their function in the knee?

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that help with lubrication and reduce friction in areas of high movement.

What is Swelling in the prepatellar bursa often colloquially called?

A 'golf ball' type swelling directly on top of the kneecap, between the kneecap and the skin.

Which bursa is located medial to the tibial tuberosity and is commonly involved in runner's knee pain?

The pes anserine bursa.

Define 'genu varum' and 'genu valgum'.

Genu varum is bowleg, where the knees are bowed outwards. Genu valgum is knock-knees, where the knees come together.

What ankle abnormality is associated with an increased risk for IT Band Syndrome (ITBS)?

Overpronation.

What is 'patella alta' and how does it relate to patellar dislocation?

Patella alta is a high-riding patella, which predisposes an individual to patellar subluxation or dislocation because it's not seated as deeply in the trochlear groove.

When does patellar dislocation most commonly occur?

9 out of 10 times, the patella will dislocate laterally (to the outside).

What is 'Jumper's Knee' (Patellar Tendinopathy)?

An overuse injury causing inflammation or degeneration of the patellar tendon, typically at its inferior pole, common in jumping and sprinting sports.

What is a key difference in treatment approach for Jumper's Knee compared to ligamentous injuries?

Jumper's Knee typically does not involve immobilization; instead, eccentric loading of the quadriceps is crucial for healing.

What is the 'Sag Sign' special test used to assess?

It assesses for a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury by observing if the tibia passively sags backward on the femur.

What is 'Thessaly's Test' used to assess?

It assesses for meniscal injuries by having the patient stand on one leg and twist through the knee joint while bearing weight.

What is the 'Apprehension Test' used to assess?

It assesses for patellar subluxation or dislocation by attempting to move the patella laterally, observing if the patient's quads tighten in apprehension.