The Knee - Chapter 18 Outline
A. Bones/Joints (See Knee Anatomy A-Z Handout for Related Bony Structures you should know)
1. Bones that Compose the Knee Joint:



Another name for knee joint:
Type of joint:
Why is it Modified?
2. Name of Joint between proximal fibula and tibia:

Type of Joint:
3. Joint between kneecap and femur:


Type of Joint:
Function of patella:
B. Soft Tissues of the Knee
1. Two types of Cartilage Related to the Knee
a.
b.
4 Functions of Menisci:
Characteristics of Medial Meniscus:
Characteristics of Lateral Meniscus:
2. Ligaments Related to the Knee Joint (note attachments/functions/misc…)
a.
b.
c.
d.
Mnemonics to Remember ACL and PCL attachments:


ACL - APEX
PCL - PAIN
3. Muscles Related to the Knee Joint (label structures on illustrations below)
a. Quadriceps Femoris Muscles
1.
2.
3.
4.
Functions at the knee joint:
What additional function does the rectus femoris have at the hip
joint?
Where is the vastus intermedius in relation to the illustration of the quadriceps
above?
b. Tensor Fascia Latae and Iliotibial Band (ITB)
Inserts on
.
Helps support femur on tibia during stance.
c. Sartorius and Gracilis
Assist with knee
.
The attachment of the tendons of these 2 muscles and the
semitendinosis on the tibia is called the
.
d. Hamstrings
The hamstrings are composed of 3 muscles:
,
and
.
Which of the 3 hamstring muscles attaches mainly on the fibula?
What is the main action of the hamstring muscles on the knee joint?
e. Popliteus
The popliteus muscle serves to
knee flexion.
the knee joint to allow
When the foot is fixed on the ground, the popliteus unlocks the knee joint by
rotating the femur.
When the foot is free, the popliteus unlocks the knee joint by
rotating the tibia.
II. Knee Injuries
A. Patello-femoral dysfunctions
Def'n - Abnormal tracking of the patella within the

Patella Glide: A
the patella which causes increased pressure
resultant pain and decreased function.
.
shifting of
and

Patella Tilt: A
shift and
of
the patella causing increased pressure on the lateral facet and resultant pain
and decreased function.
Signs and Symptoms of Patello-femoral dysfunction:
1.
2.
3.
X-rays of individuals having patella-femoral dysfunctions might
show
femoral torsion with "
"
patella or
tibial torsion.
When Evaluating for Patello-femoral dysfunction, assessment
should include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
lateral structures;
structures
Treatments:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Test: Displacement of patella less than 2 quadrants medially = tight
Displacement of patella more than 3 quadrants = hypermobility
Test: Inability to tilt lateral patella to horizontal = tight lateral
B. Jumper's Knee/
Def'n: Inflammation of the
Mechanism of Injury (MOI):
1.
2.
3.
Tendonitis
tendon.
Signs and Symptoms (S&S)
1.
2.
Treatment (Rx)
1. Decrease inflammation using
,
&
2. Decrease stress on tendon using
exercise like cycling/swimming.
3. Stretch tight structures: Check Rectus Femoris length using
.
4. Taping or
bands
5. Cross
massage
C. Fat Pad Syndrome/
Syndrome
Def'n – Inflammation of the
fat pad
S&S: Pain in
region distal to patella
If compression of patellar tendon with athlete's quads
causes pain, it's + for fat pad
syndrome
Rx: Avoid
. Decrease Inflammation; Taping to unload fat pad
D. MCL Sprain/Rupture
MOI:
Force
S&S: Tenderness over
Rx: PRICE and avoid
; Positive
&
Test
stresses
E. LCL Sprain/Rupture
MOI:
S&S: Tenderness over
Rx: PRICE and avoid
; Positive
and
Test
force
stresses
F. ACL Sprain/Rupture
Special tests must be done within
minutes of injury or swelling/guarding will mask results.
Special Tests include:
and
.
Rx: PRICE; surgery and rehab
S&S: "
", rapid swelling; instability
MOI: Tibia pushed
or Femur pushed
G. PCL Sprain/Rupture
MOI: Tibia pushed
Special Tests:
Rx: PRICE, Rehab
or Femur pushed
&
.
H. Meniscus Tears:
MOI:
Aging puts one at risk
S&S: Swelling,
, pain, popping,
Rx: PRICE; possible removal of some of meniscus
Special Tests:
&
I. Growth Plate Injuries
Common in young athletes because the
stronger than the growth plate.
J. Osgood
Condition
Def'n: Inflammation of
caused by traction
Common in males
& females
S&S: Pain/Swelling over
Rx: PRICE and stretching of
.
.
&
are 2-5 x
.
.
K. ITB Syndrome
Def'n: Inflammation of the ITB near
epicondyle.
MOI: Increasing
too quickly &
Rx: Change
, Stretch Tight Structures; Strengthen
structures.
Special Tests:
&
.
L. Fractures
Fracture is the most common
MOI:
.