Knee

• Patella

  • Femur
  • Tibia
  • Fibula
• The Knee Joint

  • A synovial hinge joint
  • Formed by the interaction between the distal femur and proximal tibia (known as the tibofemoral joint)
  • The distal femur also interacts with the patella, which is the largest sesamoid bone in the body. This interaction is the patellofemoral joint
  • Whilst the tibiofemoral joint is a hinge joint that flexes and extends, there is often some rotatory movement of the femur on the tibia that accompanies this
• Main Knee Ligaments

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

  Attaches to the medial face of the lateral femoral condyle, then twists as it descends forwards, inserting on the anterior portion of the tibial surface. Mainly limits/resists forward translation of the tibia on the femur.
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

  Attaches to the lateral face of the medial femoral condyle, then descends posteriorly, inserting on the posterior portion of the tibial surface. A branch also inserts of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Mainly limits/resists backwards translation of the tibia on the femur.
• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)

  Attaches to the lateral epicondyle, then descends inferiorly, inserting onto the lateral side of the head of the fibula. Provides lateral stability to the knee during movements, and resists knee varus stress/force.
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)

  Attaches to the medial epicondyle, then descends inferiorly, inserting on to the medial condyle of the tibia. Provides medial stability to the knee during movements, and resists knee valgus stress/force.
• Knee Mensici

  • Lateral Meniscus
  • Medial Meniscus
• Knee Physiological Movements

  • Flexion/Extension: 0-140° active, 0-160° passive
• Posterior Knee Musculature

  • Biceps Femoris
  • Semimembranosus
  • Semitendinosis
  • Gastrocnemius
  • Popliteus
• Anterior Knee Musculature

  • Vastus Medialis (VM)
  • Vastus Intermedius (VI)
  • Rectus Femoris (RF)
  • Vastus Lateralis (VL)
  • Sartorius
• Lateral Insertions

  • Biceps Femoris
  • Iliotibial Band
  • Fibular Head
• Medial Insertions

  • Sartorius
  • Gracilis
  • Semitendinosis
  • Pes Anserinus
  • Lateral Condyle of Tibia
• Myotomes


  • L2 = Hip flexion
  • L3 = Knee extension
  • L4 = Foot dorsiflexion
  • L5 = Big Toe Extension
  • S1 = Eversion of the foot
  • S2 = Knee flexion
  • S3–S4 = Pelvic floor, bladder and genital function
• Reflexes


  • L3/4 = Knee Jerk
  • S1/2 = Ankle Jerk