Knee Complex Examination Guide

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of resisting hip adduction during examination?

To palpate the adductor magnus tendon more effectively (correct)

To enhance ability to feel the femoral attachment of the medial collateral ligament

To locate the insertion point of the sartorius muscle

To identify the pes anserine group attachment sites

Which of the following muscles is NOT part of the pes anserine group?

Semitendinosus

Gracilis

Biceps femoris (correct)

Sartorius

Where is the tibial attachment of the medial collateral ligament primarily located?

Posterior half of the tibia, roughly 10-12 cm long (correct)

Anterior half of the tibia, approximately 8-10 cm long

Distal end of the fibula, about 12-15 cm long

Lateral condyle of the femur, around 10-12 cm long

What is the proper technique to locate the area of the pes anserine group?

Slide the hand proximally toward the medial joint line until feeling a small convexity Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the sartorius muscle is accurate?

It is the most anterior muscle in the pes anserine group Signup and view all the answers

What structure is palpated from the apex of the patella moving medially and proximally?

Medial femoral condyle Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical feature can be found proximal to the head of the fibula?

Lateral femoral epicondyle Signup and view all the answers

To locate the medial collateral ligament (MCL), where should palpation begin?

At the apex of the patella Signup and view all the answers

What structure is located at the superior aspect of the medial epicondyle?

Adductor tubercle Signup and view all the answers

How can you enhance the palpation of the medial structures of the knee?

Place the tibia in slight external rotation Signup and view all the answers

From which location should you begin palpating the patellar tendon?

Apex of the patella Signup and view all the answers

What is the first palpable structure when moving laterally from the apex of the patella?

Lateral femoral condyle Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of palpating the space horizontally between the tibia and femur?

Feeling the broad fibers of the MCL Signup and view all the answers

When palpating the medial condyle, what may indicate you have reached the medial joint line?

A firm edge is felt Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted when palpating the edges of the base of the patella?

It has superficial and deeper proximal edges Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is most prominent when palpating the medial hamstring group?

Semitendinosus Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL)?

It attaches at the lateral femoral epicondyle. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure can be palpated directly midline in the popliteal fossa?

Tibial nerve Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical landmark should be used to identify the rectus femoris?

Patella to AIIS Signup and view all the answers

Where is Gerdy's tubercle located?

On the lateral aspect of the tibia Signup and view all the answers

Which action will help to differentiate between the semimembranosus and the gracilis?

Resisted hip adduction Signup and view all the answers

Which tendon can be felt when asking the patient to resist flexion in slight knee extension?

Semitendinosus tendon Signup and view all the answers

What structure is located just lateral to the tendon of the biceps femoris?

Common peroneal nerve Signup and view all the answers

What muscle is notably surrounded by the rectus femoris and sartorius?

Vastus medialis Signup and view all the answers

What palpation technique is suggested for assessing the iliotibial band?

Ask the patient to extend and internally rotate the femur. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic shape of the vastus medialis muscle?

Tear drop shaped Signup and view all the answers

What method is used to enhance the prominence of the rectus femoris during palpation?

Patient flexing the hip and holding the foot off the table Signup and view all the answers

In which position should the patient be to effectively palpate the biceps femoris tendon?

Lying prone with knees flexed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hamstring group muscles?

Knee flexion Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lower Extremity: The Knee Complex

Patient seated, leg relaxed, knee flexed to 90 degrees
Palpate patella, locating apex and base (superior aspect)
Medial femoral condyle: palpate proximally and medially from patella apex, following to medial joint line
Lateral femoral condyle: palpate laterally and proximally from patella apex to find structure followed to the lateral joint line
Medial and lateral femoral epicondyles: locate medial and lateral condyle, palpate epicondyles
Tibial plateau, tibial tuberosity, patellar tendon: feel firm edges of tibial plateau, follow patellar tendon to the tibial tuberosity, and the patellar tendon edges
Pes anserine group: located on anterior aspect of knee, comprised of sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus tendons
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): palpate along medial joint line, feeling fibers of MCL
Adductor tubercle: located medial to the medial femoral epicondyle
Semitendinosus tendon: posterior medial hamstrings, notable tendon palpable with resisted knee flexion
Semimembranosus tendon: slightly smaller tendon medial to semitendinosus
Gracilis tendon: slender tendon medial to the semimembranosus
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): palpate along the lateral joint line, recognizing as a pencil-like structure. follow proximally and distally to find its attachments.
Iliotibial band: palpate distally along lateral joint line, then to Gerdy's tubercle
Common peroneal (fibular) nerve: posterior to the head of the fibula, locate by applying anterior pressure toward the head of the fibula. The nerve will feel like a soft, rubbery structure.
Biceps femoris tendon: palpate posterior to the head of the fibula, feel a prominent tendon. Follow distally to its attachment on the fibula.
Rectus femoris: palpate starting at Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (AIIS) and patella. Palpate following an imaginary line. The muscle will be 2-3 fingers wide.
Vastus medialis: tear-drop shape, palpate medial and proximal to patella, recognize its bulbous shape
Vastus lateralis: palpate on lateral side of thigh. Have patient extend/relax knee. The vastus lateralis will contract and relax.
Popliteal fossa: medial to tibial nerve, lateral to tendons of biceps femoris, including the common peroneal nerve. Popliteal artery is pulsating within the fossa.

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Description

This quiz covers the anatomy and examination techniques of the knee complex, focusing on palpation techniques for various structures. Learn to locate key components such as the femoral condyles, epicondyles, and ligaments to assess knee function effectively. Ideal for students and professionals in physical therapy and anatomy.