The knee is the largest joint in the
body, and it is one of the most frequently injured. Your knee is
made up of four bones carefully designed to provide smooth, stable
motion. These bones are called the tibia (shinbone), fibula (shinbone),
femur (thighbone) and patella (kneecap). These bones are lined with
articular cartilage, and the joint is lined with synovium, which
produces a fluid necessary to lubricate, protect and nourish your
joints. Articular cartilage, in conjunction with synovial fluid,
allows the knee to maintain painless, fluid motion.
There are four main ligaments in the knee. These function to connect
the bones and maintain stability and alignment. The anterior cruciate
ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate (PCL) ligaments cross in the
center of the knee. These ligaments act as primary stabilizers of
the knee and function to prevent forward and backward translation
of your femur on your tibia. In addition, there is the medial collateral
ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These ligaments
stabilize the knee from side to side or when sharp, cutting moves
are made.
Separating the femur and tibia are two structures called the medial
and lateral menisci. The menisci function as cushions or shock absorbers,
as well as adding secondary stability with twisting or pivoting.
Menisci are frequently injured, and damaged menisci are what people
usually refer to as "torn cartilage".
The major two tendons of your knee are connected to your kneecap.
The tendon below the patella is called the patellar tendon (but
really is technically a ligament since it connects your bone to
another bone). The tendon above your patella is called the Quadriceps
Tendon. The tendons attach muscle to bone and are responsible for
the motion of the knee. Surrounding the tendons are fluid filled
sacs called bursae, which can become inflamed and fill with fluid.
COMMON KNEE PROBLEMS
Arthritis
is one of the most common painful knee conditions. It is usually
gradual in onset and affects middle-aged and older people. Pain
is usually worse in the morning. The most common forms of arthritis
are osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
ACL
Tears are common injuries, usually in younger patients involved
in sports that involve jumping or cutting movements. A "pop"
is commonly heard, followed by swelling and instability. Unfortunately,
once torn, this ligament will not usually heal by itself.
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