The knee is the largest joint in the body, and it is one of the most frequently injured. Your knee is made up of four bones carefully designed to provide smooth, stable motion. These bones are called the tibia (shinbone), fibula (shinbone), femur (thighbone) and patella (kneecap). These bones are lined with articular cartilage, and the joint is lined with synovium, which produces a fluid necessary to lubricate, protect and nourish your joints. Articular cartilage, in conjunction with synovial fluid, allows the knee to maintain painless, fluid motion.
There are four main ligaments in the knee. These function to connect the bones and maintain stability and alignment. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate (PCL) ligaments cross in the center of the knee. These ligaments act as primary stabilizers of the knee and function to prevent forward and backward translation of your femur on your tibia. In addition, there is the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These ligaments stabilize the knee from side to side or when sharp, cutting moves are made.
Separating the femur and tibia are two structures called the medial and lateral menisci. The menisci function as cushions or shock absorbers, as well as adding secondary stability with twisting or pivoting. Menisci are frequently injured, and damaged menisci are what people usually refer to as "torn cartilage".
The major two tendons of your knee are connected to your kneecap. The tendon below the patella is called the patellar tendon (but really is technically a ligament since it connects your bone to another bone). The tendon above your patella is called the Quadriceps Tendon. The tendons attach muscle to bone and are responsible for the motion of the knee. Surrounding the tendons are fluid filled sacs called bursae, which can become inflamed and fill with fluid.
COMMON KNEE PROBLEMS
Arthritis is one of the most common painful knee conditions. It is usually gradual in onset and affects middle-aged and older people. Pain is usually worse in the morning. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
ACL Tears are common injuries, usually in younger patients involved in sports that involve jumping or cutting movements. A "pop" is commonly heard, followed by swelling and instability. Unfortunately, once torn, this ligament will not usually heal by itself.
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