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Knee Anatomy and Injuries

Knee Anatomy and Common Injuries

Ligaments of the Knee

  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)

    • Location: Within the joint space but more on the outside.

    • Palpation: Can be felt and palpated with fingers.

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

    • Location: Deep within the joint.

    • Palpation: Cannot be felt or palpated directly.

    • Assessment: Tested using special tests. A positive or negative result indicates a presumed tear.

Functions of Ligaments

  • ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)

    • Function: Prevents anterior translation of the tibia on the femur, stopping the bottom part of the leg from sliding forward in the knee joint.

    • Test: Anterior Drawer test, which mimics the movement the ligament is supposed to stop.

    • M.O.I. (Mechanism of Injury): Common in pivoting and cutting movements (e.g., planting and twisting, abrupt change of direction). Often involves a