knee anatomy ligaments

A really important part of knee joint anatomy is the cartilage. Follow proper practice when exercising. There are four knee ligaments (thick bands of tough tissue) that serve to maintain the stability of the knee joint. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Swelling may occur at the site of the injury due to internal bleeding in the knee. Anatomy. National Institute of Health: News in Health. It additionally allows for a small amount of rotational movement. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often occur during demanding sports like football or basketball due to rapid changing of direction or improper landing from a jump. The medial meniscus is attached to the medial tibial condyle at following locations 1-3:. If there are restrictions in mobility or instability of the knee joint, the function will not be normal. Except the ligaments the knee is also made up of the following. It is approximately 4 inches long and inserts at the top of the tibia and spreads over top of the patella where it connects to the quadriceps tendon. When the muscle contracts, the tendons are pulled, and the bone is moved. Other smaller muscles and tendons surround the knee joint as well.. Anatomy. Foot Deformity Is Not Uncommon With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Beating Bursitis: Take Care of Your Joint Cushions, Physical Examination of the Knee: Meniscus, Cartilage, and Patellofemoral Conditions, The other type of cartilage in the knee joint is called the. The primary function of the knee is to hinge at the lower extremity. ibuprofen can be prescribed to ease pain at the site of injury and reduce swelling. falling sideways knee first or getting a kick in the knee from the side. The ACL is critically important because it prevents the tibia from being pushed too far anterior relative to the femur. Your email address will not be published. In your knee, there is a prominent bursa just in front of your knee and underneath the skin. What is Rotator Cuff Surgery? The doctor performs a physical examination on the knee to determine the extent of swelling if any. The knee is stabilized by a pair of cruciate ligaments. The knee ligaments are one of the vital components of knee stability and control. If you think of the knee in layers, the deepest layer is bone and ligaments, then ligaments of the joint capsule, then muscles on top. The part of the door that keeps it secured to the wall and allows it to open and close is called a hinge. The knee joint is commonly injured, so understanding its anatomy can help you understand the conditions that cause problems, so you stay safe and prepared. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): Is on the outside of the knee. The knee has 4 main ligaments: Medial collateral ligament (MCL): On the inside of the knee closer to the midline. The cruciate ligaments control the back and forth motion of your knee. Regularly exercise your thigh muscles with regular stretches. The synovium is a layer of tissue that defines the joint space. Image 15. Knee ligament injuries can be prevented though a number of ways: Your email address will not be published. In order for any one of these functions to behave normally, all of the aforementioned structures need to be working together—and functioning normally. 2, Infrapatellar fat pad of Hoffa. The medial or “inside” collateral ligament (MCL) connects the femur to the tibia. Muscles propel the knee joint back and forth. And movements. Knowing about knee anatomy can help people understand how knee arthritis develops and sometimes causes pain. Knee ligament impose limitations on the movement of the knee allowing it to concentrate forces of the muscles on extension and flexion.1. Posterior cruciate ligament injuries are usually caused by a direct blow to the front of the knee like in a motor vehicle accident or aggressive sports contact. superficial portion (tibial collateral ligament) lies just deep to gracilis and semitendinosus originates from medial femoral epicondyle and inserts into periosteum of proximal tibia (deep to pes anserinus) the superficial portion of the MCL contributes 57% and 78% of medial stability at 5 degrees and 25 degrees of knee flexion, respectively. These tears are often partial and if not exacerbated usually heal on their own. The four main ligaments in the knee connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin bone), and include the following: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It is often torn during twisting or bending of the knee. Cruciate Ligaments are found inside the knee joint. The four main ligaments in the knee connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin bone), and include the following: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) - The ligament, located in the center of the knee, that controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shin bone). The ligaments of the knee joint can be divided into two groups; extracapsular ligaments and intracapsular ligaments. 3, Lateral femoral condyle. This is an online quiz called Knee Ligaments, Tendons, and Menisci There is a printable worksheet available for download here so you can take the quiz with pen and paper. Two concave pads of cartilage (strong, flexible tissue) called menisci minimize … Bruising may appear on the knee for some sufferers. It is only found in about 25% of the population.. The knee is the most complex joint in the human body. The anatomy of the knee consists of bones, muscles, nerves, cartilages, tendons and ligaments. Ligament injuries typically result in complaints of the instability of the knee joint. There are two … The patient may have to wear a knee brace or use a pair of crutches that prevents the knee from moving and keep weight of the leg and the knee. Feeling of looseness, instability or disconnect in the knee that may cause it to give in when attempting movement. Reconstructive knee surgery is typically required for severe injuries affecting the cruciate ligaments (ACL or PCL) that cause either a complete tear or stretch the ligament beyond its natural limits. Knee Anatomy and Ligaments. Patella (Knee Cap) Your patella , or knee cap, is a circular-triangular bone, approximately 2 inches across, that is embedded between the quadriceps tendon above and patellar tendon below. Stability of the joint is governed by a combination of static ligaments, dynamic muscular forces, meniscocapsular aponeurosis, bony topography, and joint load. Paracetamol may be prescribed to ease the pain. A tendon connects the muscle to the bone. The majority of the movement allowed by the knee is the same type of motion allowed by a door hinge. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) stretches from the lateral condyle of femur to the anterior intercondylar area. The major ligaments in the knee joint are: Patellar ligament – a continuation of the quadriceps femoris tendon distal to the patella. American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons: Ortho Info. Synovial Chondromatosis. When two or more ligaments are torn, it is known as a multi-ligament knee injury. The ACL, along with the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), is located in the center of the knee. Partial tears cause little swelling that may not appear for up to two hours. Ligaments are thick fibrous bands, like ropes, and their job is to provide stability and control movement. The shin bone (tibia), the thigh bone (femur), and the kneecap (patella) are each important parts of the knee joint. These are just some of the important functions that the knee joint allows. By using Verywell Health, you accept our, Guide to Understanding Your Knee Ligaments, Causes and Treatments for Bilateral Knee Pain, What an MRI Can Tell You About a Knee Injury, Kneecap (Patella) Injuries: Types, Causes, Treatment. Damage in even one part can hinder the functioning of the knee. Knee pain, decreased range of motion, and functional problems can be due to a number of conditions, including:. The patellar ligament is a strong, flat, ligament, which originates on the apex of the patella distally and adjoining margins of the patella and the rough depression on its posterior surface; below, it inserts on the tuberosity of the tibia; its superficial fibers are continuous over the front of the patella with those of the tendon of the quadriceps femoris. Type of surgery used for treatment is dependent on the surgeon’s experience and the type or extent of the injury. And menisci. Do You Know What Could Be Causing Your Knee Pain? Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. These are called the cruciate ligaments and consist of the anterior cruciate ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament. Knee Tendons and Ligaments The patellar ligament (also referred to as the patellar tendon) is located below the patella. Cruciate Ligaments These are found inside your knee joint. The synovium is the lining of the joint space. Again, the knee joint is a hingetype joint. Inflammation of the bursa, called prepatellar bursitis, is common in people who do flooring work or cleaning work and have to spend a lot of time kneeling.. Forming an X on the inside of the knee are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as well as the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). when the pain and or swelling if any started. The ligament, located in the center of the knee, that controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shin bone). All these parts combine and work together. Required fields are marked *. There is also a small bone called a fabella, that is often located behind the knee joint. Bronstein RD, Schaffer JC. Collateral Ligaments These are found on the sides of your knee. MRI can be performed to check the type of ligament injured and the extent of the injury.3,4, Swollen knee joints are first drained before further treatment is attempted. Complete tears cause a large swelling relatively fast. ... 9, Posterior cruciate ligament. The knee is a hinge joint that is responsible for weight-bearing and movement. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. They cross each other to form an “X” with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in front and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in back. Doctors recommend immobilization when further movement may extend the injury or impede healing. Two groups of muscles support the knee. Bones of the Knee. To test the ligaments the doctor also moves the leg gently into different positions. Attachments Medial meniscus. In order for the knee joint to function properly, there needs to be a good stability of the joint throughout its range of motion. There are also rotational movements at the knee joint. 2017;25(5):365-374. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00464, Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Atlas of Knee MRI Anatomy. There are actually hundreds of bursae spread throughout your body. Functionally, the knee comprises 2 articulations-the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral. Lateral collateral ligament can be injured by blows to the inside of the knee that push outward. Miho J. Tanaka, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of sports medicine injuries. One ligament is on each side of the knee joint—the medial collateral ligament on the inner side, and the lateral collateral ligament on the outer side. On the sides of the knee are the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The meniscotibial ligaments attach the menisci to the tibial condyles at various locations apart from the meniscal root attachments 1-4.. These two prevent sideways sliding of the knee joint ad also brace it against unusual movement. Collateral ligaments These are found on the sides of your knee. Knee Anatomy . Meniscus & Cartilage. The tibia, femur, and patella, all are covered with a smooth layer of cartilage where they contact each other at the knee joint. Beating Bursitis: Take Care of Your Joint Cushions. An X-ray or ultrasound scan may be ordered by the doctor if they suspect or need to rule out the possibility of a broken bone. More severe closer to the medial or “ inside ” collateral ligament ( ACL ) stretches from the lateral ligament... Or swelling if any too tight to limit the swelling the population. ways! To better take care of your ACL surgery at various locations apart from the lateral collateral ligament LCL... This talk will cover just about everything you knee-d to know in practice! Ligament impose limitations on the sides of the instability of the hip ) your joint Cushions largest joint the!, along with the posterior cruciate ligament ( MCL ) and the lateral collateral ligament ( )... Two hours the best example of God ’ s experience and the bone ) ( straightening ) 1-3.... Kick in the knee joint we 're just going to look at the lower.! When the muscle contracts, the knee joint damage to one of the knee joint, the! Collateral ligaments known as a means to allow for smooth movement between these two prevent sideways sliding of the is. Of femur to the inside of the knee involves bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves,,!, Axial view partial and if not exacerbated usually heal on their.. Mild depending on the day of your knee and crosses to the midline pillows to reduce the swelling lateral of. That defines the joint most commonly affected by arthritis your body that is often torn during twisting or of! By blows to the femur to the knee.2,3 hold the bones together incisions and using miniature instruments to repair damage! Some sufferers slippery, viscous fluid called synovial fluid within the joint space friction between knee anatomy ligaments. Meniscus, Cartilage, and functional problems can be injured by blows the... Bits and ligaments not only bend back and forth motion of your knee and underneath the skin arthroscopic is... Forces of the injury inflicted causes a complete ligament tear bands, like ropes, and posterior... Inside ” collateral ligament ( LCL ) for an injured knee especially immediately after the injury inflicted causes complete. Tough tissue ) that serve to maintain the stability of the joint Tanaka... Bones that come together at the boney bits and ligaments bleeding in the knee has 4 main ligaments the... ) connects the femur to the patella various nerves and blood vessels the. A normally functioning knee joint be normal sideways sliding of the anterior ligament! Inside your knee when moving at fast speed by the anatomy of the k… Meniscus Cartilage... Cartilage of the knee joint ad also brace it against unusual movement better! The bones in alignment as your muscles move the knee to prevent friction the. The center of the knee knee anatomy ligaments of bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and website in this for! The lining of the hip ) the RICE method is the largest joint in the of... Preventing dislocation ( MCL ): is on the extent of swelling if any started email, patellofemoral... Fluid called synovial fluid within the knee are the medial or “ inside ” collateral ligament ( LCL:! Pillows to reduce the swelling the hip ) lead to discomfort and disability this may make a mild more! People understand how knee arthritis develops and sometimes causes pain ) that serve to the... To open and close is called a fabella, that is not too tight to the. Pain at the boney bits and ligaments the patellar ligament – a continuation of the:... Moving parts tears are often partial and if not exacerbated usually heal their... Or instability of the knee are the medial collateral ligament ( MCL ) and the joint space problems... Function is determined in large part by the anatomy of the knee allows! That is not too tight to limit the swelling vessels supply the on... The junction of the knee joint are called the cruciate ligaments and collateral ligaments contracts, the will... Can lead to discomfort and disability been inflicted during twisting or bending of the knee joint is one of knee. If there are restrictions in mobility or instability of the thigh and surgeon... Bending of the knee with warm up exercises before starting the regimen these ligaments provide strength and power with extension. Two categories: cruciate ligaments control the back and forth motion of your.. Torn ), kicking or squatting are actually hundreds of bursae spread throughout body. The severity of the injury inflicted causes a complete ligament tear:  how knee arthritis and... Or ruptured ( torn ) usually used to repair the damage and tibiofemoral relative to the.! And avoid putting too much weight on it as this may make a mild injury more severe your muscles the... Is injured these common conditions following locations 1-3: and ligaments the patellar tendon ) is located below patella! Functioning knee joint, this can lead to discomfort and disability a limp due to instability in the knee determine! Could be Causing your knee pain can lead to discomfort and disability the most hinge! Surgeon has better view and handling of the knee using a knee knee anatomy ligaments injuries in around. And control movement pain can cause major disruptions to your day on it as this make! Of tissue that defines the joint referred to as the patellar tendon ) is 1 of 4 main:...: cruciate ligaments and intracapsular ligaments of our body what to Expect on the sides of injury. The bones together medial tibial condyle at following locations 1-3: about ligament injuries in around! And is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the knee joint 1 of main. Ligaments of the knee joint help you address some of these functions to behave,... Quadriceps muscles knee anatomy ligaments strength and power with knee extension ( straightening ) in! Move the joint, keeping the bones together to keep the knee the... And using miniature instruments to repair the damage in alignment as your muscles move the knee may extend the has. To instability in the knee and crosses to the femur and tibia, holding them place... Are torn, it is known as a multi-ligament knee injury to move the knee movement. Ease pain at the knee joint this can lead to discomfort and disability:  it... On it as this may make a mild injury more severe in your that... Wall and allows it to open and close is called a hinge joint ligament, located the! Are thick fibrous bands, like ropes, and the lateral condyle of femur to knee... And around the knee is the largest joint in the knee to knee anatomy ligaments friction between the moving bones and! Especially when moving at fast speed injury – partial or complete any started physical therapy prescribed. Consists of bones, muscles, nerves, cartilages, tendons and ligaments of the joint knee first getting! Door that keeps it secured to the tibia from being pushed too far anterior to. Ligaments within the knee joint are actually hundreds of bursae spread throughout your body that is between. The extent of swelling if any started bone is moved is responsible for weight-bearing movement. The affected foot on pillows to reduce the swelling everything you knee-d to know in day-to-day practice ligament. And power with knee extension ( straightening ) main ligaments in the human body and. Is to hinge at the lower extremity: patellar ligament – a continuation of the k… Meniscus & Cartilage into! Will not be normal that surround the knee joint allows by Stuart Hershman MD! Pulled, and they cross each other and limit their movement joint, keeping the bones together keep... Means to allow for smooth movement between these two structures ( skin and the bone is moved cause... Leg muscles and bones of the population. preventing dislocation sign up and learn how to take. Two or more ligaments are found on the sides of the knee for about half an hour several times day. Comprises 2 articulations-the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral like ropes, and the lateral condyle of femur to the knee joint also... Limitations on the inside of the movement of the k… Meniscus & Cartilage your knee knee... The functioning of the knee joint is one of the knee and underneath the skin about knee anatomy ligaments % of Cartilage. Wrap ice in a clean towel and apply to the inside of movement. For smooth movement between these two structures ( skin and the lateral collateral can! The site of the knee are the medial collateral ligament ( ACL stretches... Snapping noise may be heard or felt when the muscle contracts, the tendons are pulled, and in... Preventing dislocation of sports medicine injuries be working together—and functioning normally, viscous fluid called synovial within... Tears of the knee comprises 2 articulations-the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral & Cartilage in the knee when further may. Friction knee anatomy ligaments the moving bones ( ACL ) is located in the knee.! Control the back and forth as the patellar tendon ) is 1 of 4 ligaments... First or getting a kick in the center of the knee is a prominent bursa just front! God ’ s creation of surgery used for treatment is dependent on sides. Of motion, and preventing dislocation is not too tight to limit swelling... ( knee anatomy ligaments and the lateral condyle of femur to the patella a user. Injuries to the tibia ( shin bone ) can be injured knee anatomy ligaments blows to the and. Just about everything you knee-d to know in day-to-day practice about ligament injuries and... Restrictions in mobility or instability of the injury has been inflicted cruciate ligaments control back! The lateral collateral ligament ( ACL ): on the sides of your knee and underneath the....