Knee Joint Classification

• Knee Joint Classification

  • The knee joint is a synovial joint of the hinge/condylar type.

  Learning Objectives

  • Students should be able to classify the joint and identify its articulating surfaces.
  • Students should be able to identify structures that stabilize and strengthen the joint.
  • Students should be able to address intracapsular structures.
  • Students should be able to identify movements possible at the joint.
  • Students should be able to identify the blood supply and innervation of the joint.

  Articulating Surfaces

  • The condyles of the distal end of the femur articulate with the condyles at the proximal end of the tibia.
  • A minor joint is formed where the posterior surface of the patella articulates with the patellar surface of the femur.
  • All articulating surfaces are covered with articular hyaline cartilage.

  Structures Stabilizing/Strengthening the Joint

  • Fibrous capsule: surrounds/encloses the joint.
  • Synovial membrane: lines the fibrous capsule, covers the popliteus tendon, forms supra-patellar bursae, lines the patellar tendon, covers cruciate ligaments, and produces synovial fluid.
  • Tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle: the patella is found within this tendon
  • Ligaments:
    • Popliteal (posterior aspect)
    • Tibial collateral (medial aspect)
    • Fibular collateral (lateral aspect)
    • Arcuate popliteal
    • Oblique popliteal (lateral aspect)
  • Meniscus (semi-lunar cartilages): two menisci are found on the upper surface of the tibial condyles.
  • Cruciate ligaments: anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments extend from the intercondylar notch to the tibial tubercles.
  • Popliteus tendon: (lateral aspect)
  • Bursae:
    • Suprapatellar (above the joint)
    • Pre patellar (between the anterior surface of the patella and the skin)
    • Infra patellar (below the patella)
  • Fat pads: infrapatellar pad of fat found above the infrapatellar bursa, between the patellar ligament and the synovial membrane.

  Movements Possible at the Joint

  • Flexion
  • Extension
  • Minimal medial and lateral rotation

  Blood Supply & Nerve Supply

  • Arteries: femoral, popliteal, and anterior tibial arteries.
  • Veins: popliteal vein, anterior and posterior tibial veins, short saphenous vein.
  • Nerves: obturator, peroneal, femoral, and popliteal nerves.

This quiz focuses on the classification of the knee joint, specifically as a synovial joint of the hinge/condylar type. Students will learn to identify the articulating surfaces, stabilization structures, and movements possible at the joint, as well as its blood supply and innervation.