Comprehensive Guide to Knee Anatomy and Conditions
The knee undergoes a lot of stress every single day, especially for people who are physically active. As the years go by, that stress can add up to wear and tear that decreases mobility and comfort, and interferes with daily activities. The knee can also suffer from injuries or disease, resulting in knee problems and conditions that can be excruciatingly painful and extremely debilitating. If you have knee problems, you need to talk to us.
To help you discuss knee problems, conditions and treatment options with your surgeon, here’s a breakdown of the anatomy of the knee.
- Anatomy
- Conditions
- Procedures
Knee Anatomy
The knee is a complex joint made up of different structures - bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. They all work together to maintain the knee’s normal function and provide stability to the knee during movement.
Bones and Cartilage of the Knee
The knee is a hinge joint made up of two bones:
- The thigh bone, or femur
- The shinbone, or tibia
To reduce friction between bones, all surfaces involved in the movement are covered with a white, shiny, slippery layer called articular cartilage, which provides a smooth surface that facilitates easy movement.
To further reduce friction, the knee joint is lined by a synovial membrane that produces a thick clear fluid that lubricates and nourishes the cartilage and bones.
Between the femur and tibia are two C-shaped cartilaginous structures called menisci, which provide stability and help in load-bearing by preventing weight from concentrating onto a small area. The menisci also absorb shock and act as a cushion during walking, running, and jumping.
Ligaments of the Knee
The ligaments of the knee stabilize the knee joint, and include two groups:
- Collateral ligaments are present on either side of the knee, and prevent the knee from moving too far during side to side motion.
- Cruciate ligaments are present inside the knee joint, and control the back-and-forth motion of the knee. The cruciate ligament in the front of the knee is called anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the cruciate ligament in the back of the knee is called posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Muscles of the Knee
There are two major muscles in the knee which enable movement of the knee joint:
- The quadriceps muscles straighten the knee when they contract.
- The hamstrings bend the knee when they contract.
Tendons of the Knee
The quadriceps tendon attaches the patella to the quadriceps. The patella tendon attaches the patella to the tibia. The quadriceps muscle, quadriceps tendon, and patellar tendon work together to straighten the knee, while the hamstring tendon attaches the hamstring muscles to the back of the leg. You don’t have to walk through life in pain. If you have knee problems or conditions, let us help you get back on your feet – and get back your life.
Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common condition affecting individuals of various age groups. It not only affects movement but also impacts your quality of life. An injury or disease of the knee joint or any structure surrounding the knee can result in knee pain. A precise diagnosis of the underlying cause is important to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Knee Arthritis
The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular surface that allows pain-free movement in the joint. Arthritis is a general term covering numerous conditions where the joint surface or cartilage wears out.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the lining of your joints becomes inflamed, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It is an autoimmune disease because it occurs when your immune system, which normally fights against infection, starts destroying healthy joints.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is a very successful surgical treatment for knee arthritis. Over the years, minimally invasive knee replacement surgical techniques have been developed to lessen tissue trauma and improve patient outcomes.
Partial Knee Replacement
Unicompartmental knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery in which only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced with an implant. It is also called a partial knee replacement.
Knee Revision
Revision knee replacement surgery involves replacing a part or all your previous knee prosthesis with a new prosthesis. Although total knee replacement surgery is successful, sometimes the procedure can fail due to various reasons and may require a second revision surgery.