Anatomy and Function of the Knee
The knee is the largest joint in the body; the joint is vital in supporting an individual when performing functional movements such as walking, running and jumping (Hamill, Knutzen and Derrick, 2014). Ref reports the knee joint moves in all three planes. Flexion and extension is seen in the sagittal plane, whereas internal and external rotation occurs in the transverse plane and adduction/abduction can be analysed from a frontal plane view. A ligamentous tissue capsule surrounds the joint, supporting the structure of the synovial membrane. The fluid produced from the synovial membrane lubricates the knee. The synovial fluid and the infrapatellar bursa – designed to cushion external forces acting on the joint …show more content…
The ligaments work in opposing pairs; collateral and cruciate ligaments. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments are extra-articular stabilisers, which importantly resist Valgus and Varus movement, respectively. Additionally, the medical collateral ligament is designed to resist internal and external rotation occurring during movement. Conversely, the cruciate ligaments are cross-weaved in design to create a strong base of support in the intercondylar space of the tibiofemoral joint (Behnke, 2012); referred to as major intra-articular stabilisers (Choudhui, 2008). Kannus et al. (1991) states the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is stronger and larger than the anterior cruciate ligament, unlike the ACL, contact injuries are more likely than non-contact due to its fibrous qualities. Furthermore, the PCL sits behind the ACL attaching to the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia, anteriorly moving to the intercondylar fossa of the femur. This prevents the tibia to extend too far backwards and the femur slipping forwards. Conversely, the ACL crosses in front of the PCL. It connects to the anterior area of the tibia and rises posteriorly to the intercondylar of the femur. Consequently, this represses forward extension of the
The knee is the largest joint in the body; the joint is vital in supporting an individual when performing functional movements such as walking, running and jumping (Hamill, Knutzen and Derrick, 2014). Ref reports the knee joint moves in all three planes. Flexion and extension is seen in the sagittal plane, whereas internal and external rotation occurs in the transverse plane and adduction/abduction can be analysed from a frontal plane view. A ligamentous tissue capsule surrounds the joint, supporting the structure of the synovial membrane. The fluid produced from the synovial membrane lubricates the knee. The synovial fluid and the infrapatellar bursa – designed to cushion external forces acting on the joint …show more content…
The ligaments work in opposing pairs; collateral and cruciate ligaments. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments are extra-articular stabilisers, which importantly resist Valgus and Varus movement, respectively. Additionally, the medical collateral ligament is designed to resist internal and external rotation occurring during movement. Conversely, the cruciate ligaments are cross-weaved in design to create a strong base of support in the intercondylar space of the tibiofemoral joint (Behnke, 2012); referred to as major intra-articular stabilisers (Choudhui, 2008). Kannus et al. (1991) states the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is stronger and larger than the anterior cruciate ligament, unlike the ACL, contact injuries are more likely than non-contact due to its fibrous qualities. Furthermore, the PCL sits behind the ACL attaching to the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia, anteriorly moving to the intercondylar fossa of the femur. This prevents the tibia to extend too far backwards and the femur slipping forwards. Conversely, the ACL crosses in front of the PCL. It connects to the anterior area of the tibia and rises posteriorly to the intercondylar of the femur. Consequently, this represses forward extension of the