Leg And Knee Joint

Front 1

Overview of Lower Limb Nerves

Back 1

Sciatic nerve branches into common peroneal (common fibular) nerve, tibial nerve. Common peroneal branches into deep peroneal and superficial peroneal.

Front 2

Knee Joint

Back 2

- Largest synovial joint in the body
- Primarily a hinge type synovial joint
- Slight gliding, rolling, and rotational movements also occur
Three articulations:
1) Medial femoral condyle and medial tibial condyle
2) Lateral femoral condyle and lateral tibial condyle
3) Patellofemoral

Front 3

Locking mechanism of knee

Back 3

When standing, knee is locked.

Reduces muscle work required to maintain the standing position.

Ability to lock hinges on shape of femoral condyles.

In knee flexion, articular surfaces of femoral condyles are curved and round.

In knee extension, the articular surface of the femoral condyles are broad and flat. Joint surface becomes larger and more stable therefore.

Front 4

More on locking mechanism

Back 4

Another component is medial rotation of the femur on the tibia during rotation.