Knee Joint Research Paper

The knee joint is a synovial joint which falls under the bicondylar type that allows for extension and flexion, as well as minimal lateral and medial rotation (Marieb & Hoehn, 2007). It is recognized as one of the major joints that bear the body’s weight and enhance the person’s stability (Sobotta & Figge, 1974). It functions in conjunction with the ankle and hip joints so as to create an erect posture and aid in stable body movement.
The main movements that facilitate the movement of the knee are rotational, flexion, and extension. Extension movement occurs when the quadriceps femoris inserts into the tibial tuberosity (Marieb & Hoehn, 2007). The flexion movement is produced by the popliteus, Sartorius, and gracilis which make up the hamstrings. Lateral rotation is produced by the biceps femoris while medial rotation is …show more content…
The articulations that form the nee are between the patella, tibia, and femur. The tibiofemoral articulating surface is made up of the lateral and medial condyles of the femur that articulate with the tibia (Marieb & Hoehn, 2007). The tibiofemoral joint is mainly the joint which bears the weight of a person. Notably, because the tibiofemoral joint is weak to a relative extent and can be damaged easily, it relies on ligaments and muscles to sustain its stability. When a person extends their knee fully, then the femur slightly rotates on the tibia and locks the tibiofemoral joint in place hence allowing for effective load bearing. The other articulating surface is the patellofemoral which is the distal and anterior part of the femur that articulates with the patella. The patellofemoral joint increases the efficiency of the muscles at the knee by allowing the quadriceps femoris tendon to be inserted in a direct position over the knee (Marieb & Hoehn, 2007). The