MAY 2010 NEWSLETTER Sinus Self Care Archives Knee Dysfunctions Anatomy Overview, Degenerative Joint Disease, Patellofemoral Injuries/Chondromalasia, Meniscal Wear and Tears Anatomy Overview The knee joint is a fairly complex joint. The primary movement seen is bending and straightening. In order to bend, the lower leg bone (tibia) must glide around the rounded end of the thighbone (femur). The bottom of the tibia is covered in hard cartilage (See ill. 5) Two cartilaginous discs (menisci), act as shock absorbers as well as friction-reducing spacers that allow the end of the thighbone to glide smoothly on the lower leg bone (See ill. 1). Disc material is tough yet somewhat elastic and is held in place on the tibia by coronary ligaments around the edges (See ill. 2). As the knee is bent and straightened during walking there is a small degree of rotation between these two bones (See clip 1 and 1.5). The discs follow this motion. There are two cruciate ligaments that provide forward/backward stability between the femur and tibia (See ill. 1.5). When standing with the knee straight, the anterior cruciate resists hyperextension (See clip 2). When kneeling the posterior cruciate resists backward sliding of the tibia (See clip 3). Medial (inside) and lateral (outside) ligaments support the knee side to side (See ill. 3 and clip 4). The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Movementwise makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, currentness, or timeliness of the content, text or graphics. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2006