It comes from the Greek word for knuckle. The lower end of the femur consists of a lateral and medial condyle (condyle means the rounded projection of bone forming an articulating surface. Note that in proper terms the fibula is NOT included in the knee joint as it forms a separate articulation with the tibia called the tibiofibular joint. X-ray 2: Lateral view of the right knee showing the femur, tibia and patella X-ray 1: View of the right knee front-on showing the femur, tibia and fibula As such, the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints make up the larger complex knee joint Three bones articulate at the knee joint: the femur, tibia and patella (commonly referred to as the knee-cap). Stability is mainly provided by the ligamentous structures, and these are detailed below. As a result, large forces act in and around the joint, contributing to its instability. The knee joint connects the two longest mechanical levers in the human body, the thigh and the lower leg. It is a modified hinge joint, and contains synovial fluid. The knee is the largest joint in the body and is also the most complicated. The figure is higher for civilian jumpers. More specifically, knee dislocations account for about 1 in 300 parachuting related injuries in military jumpers. Knee injury is the most common cause of disability in relation to sporting injuries. emergency departments with complaints of acute knee injuries.

More than 1 million patients are seen annually in U.S. MRI, and physical examination is of limited use in the acute phase due to pain and swelling, so it is inappropriate to discuss here.Īlso, a future article on firearms related injuries will examine gunshot wounds to the knee including ‘knee capping’, but is outside the scope of the present article. In fact, knee injuries can be difficult to diagnose without proper imaging techniques e.g.

In this installment diagnosis and treatment will not be examined due to limitations of space. Knowledge of knee anatomy can help predict which injuries are likely to result when a force such as a foot strike is directed at the knee from various angles. The amount of external force that must be applied to dislocate the knee (a very serious injury) is probably around 80 – 100 pounds per square inch. The amount of force required to cause ligamentous injury is minimal, and in fact can be brought about without external force such as in twisting the knee. Injury can lead to loss of mobility and possibly even loss of the leg itself through disruption to blood supply. The knee is an important target in close combat. This installment of The Med Cell looks at the knee. The information presented here is for educational purposes only.

Fighting force driver