Anatomy of the Knee

The knee joint is an intermediate of lower limb, and has a major function of human locomotion. It is very important to have a full knowledge of this joint, which requires a combined effort of several disciplines such as anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, surgery and orthopedic surgery in particular.

The knee joint is mobile and stable. As anatomical construction, consists of two functional joints, femoral-tibial articulation (AFT) and the patellofemoral joint (AFP), which allows flexion and extensive, as the rotation when flexed, allowing you to zoom in oraway from the extreme member of its root, namely to regulate the distance that separates the soil body. Essentially, this joint work compressed by the weight it supports.

Moving a little forward, the menisci provide a small increase in stability, since they themselves are unstable. The stability of the knee, depends largely on soft tissue, ligaments, capsule and muscles. This joint is one of the most flexible of the human body.The proper function is closely related to the integrity of the ligament.

In the inner and outer compartments of the menisci are fibrocartilaginous joint. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevents the excessive slippage of the tibia relative to the femur, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) prevents excessive slipping back of the tibia relative to the femur. The patella increases the effect of quadriceps muscle. This muscle and its tendinous expansions contribute greatly to the stabilization and knee function. The earliest clinical indication of a knee injury and atrophy.

From the mechanical point of view, the knee joint to balance two conflicting imperatives:

- Have a great stability in full extension, a position which supports the significant pressure due to body weight and length of the lever arm.

- Allow a high degree of mobility from one degree of flexion, which is necessary in the race for optimal orientation of the foot in relation to the irregularities of the ground.

These contradictions make it possible to solve thanks to ingenious mechanical devices.

The stability of the reduced coupling of the articular surfaces, a necessary condition for good mobility, exposes the joint lesions.

Most post-traumatic osteoarthritis in middle age or older results from minor soft tissue disorders, particularly the menisci.