The Knee

What type of joint is the tibiofemoral joint?

Bicondylar hinge joint.

What movements are allowed at the tibiofemoral joint?

Flexion/Extension and medial/lateral rotation (only when knee is flexed).

What are the articulations of the tibiofemoral joint?

Medial & lateral femoral condyles of the femur and the tibial plateau.

What are menisci?

C-shaped fibrocartilage that acts as a shock absorber and improves joint stability.

What is the flexion range of the knee joint?

0° to 135°.

Which muscles are primarily involved in knee extension?

Quadriceps: Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.

What ligament prevents anterior displacement of the tibia?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

What ligament prevents valgus stress at the knee?

Medial collateral ligament (MCL).

What role does synovial fluid play in the knee joint?

Reduces friction, nourishes cartilage, allows smooth movement.

What is the blood supply to the knee joint?

Genicular arteries (branches of the popliteal artery).

What nerve supplies the quadriceps muscle?

Femoral nerve (L2-L4).

How do you palpate the medial and lateral femoral condyles?

Patient sits with knee flexed to 90°, place fingers on both sides of the knee joint.

What is the function of the patella?

Increases quadriceps efficiency, protects the knee joint, reduces friction, enhances stability, and transmits force.

What is the locking mechanism of the knee?

When the knee extends, the tibia rotates externally, enhancing stability and minimizing muscular effort.

What is the Q angle?

The angle formed between two lines from the ASIS to the center of the patella and from the patella to the tibial tuberosity.

What is the normal Q angle for women?

15-20 degrees.

What is the function of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)?

Prevents posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur.

What is housemaid's knee?

Inflammation of the prepatellar bursa, called prepatellar bursitis.

How do you assess knee joint effusion?

By performing the patella tap test or sweep test.

Which muscles are involved in knee flexion?

Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius, Sartorius, Gracilis, Popliteus.

What is the main function of the menisci?

Shock absorption and stability in the knee joint.

What happens during the Q angle increases?

Increased risk of patellofemoral pain syndrome due to abnormal patellar tracking.

What is the primary purpose of PNF in knee rehabilitation?

Enhances flexibility, strength, and neuromuscular control.

What are isometric exercises?

Muscle contractions that occur without joint movement.

What are concentric exercises?

Muscle contractions that involve joint movement while shortening the muscle.

What is the primary function of the popliteus muscle in relation to the knee?

Unlocks the knee from full extension.

What is the significance of the screw-home mechanism?

It stabilizes the knee joint during the last 20° of extension.

What is the purpose of static stretching in knee rehab?

To reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility around the knee joint.

What is the role of the biceps femoris in knee movements?

Flexes the knee and assists in lateral rotation.

What causes a MCL injury?

A blow to the outer knee.

What are the clinical implications of a higher Q angle?

Increased risk of ACL injuries and patellar malalignment.

What condition is characterized by inner knee pain due to abnormal inward angulation?

Genu valgum (knock knees).

What condition is associated with outer bowing of the knees?

Genu varum (bow-legs).

What is the typical range of motion for knee extension?

From 135° to 0°.

What common knee injury involves a tear of the ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus?

Unhappy triad.

What is the posterior approach to assessing PCL integrity?

Posterior drawer test.

What are common signs of an ACL tear?

Popping sound, swelling, instability.

What is the main objective of closed-chain exercises for knee rehabilitation?

To mimic real-world activities and improve joint stability.

What method is used to detect meniscus lesions in the knee?

Thessaly test or McMurray test.

What screening test is beneficial for assessing knee joint integrity?

Lachman's test.

What are the symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Anterior knee pain, crepitus, and pain during squatting or stair climbing.

What common knee injury requires the rest, ice, compression, and elevation treatment?

MCL injury.

What joint is not anatomically considered part of the knee joint?

Proximal tibiofibular joint.

What is the primary benefit of closed-chain exercises?

Improves coordination of multiple muscles and engages stabilizing muscles.

What is the role of the medial and lateral retinacula?

They stabilize the patella during knee flexion and extension.

What is the treatment for osteoarthritis in the knee?

PT, NSAIDs, and potentially knee replacement surgery.

What is the purpose of the sweep test?

To assess for fluid presence in the knee.

What factor can increase the risk of ACL injuries?

Altered Q angle alignment.

What occurs physiologically during reciprocal inhibition?

When one muscle contracts, the opposing muscle relaxes.