Patient Education

The Steadman Clinic, Keeping People Active



The knee joint is made up of four bones:

  • The femur is the bone of the thigh. It is the largest bone in the body.
  • The tibia is the large bone in the lower leg. The femur sits on the tibia.
  • The fibula is the smaller bone in the lower leg. It serves as an attachment point for muscles and the lateral collateral ligament.
  • The patella is also known as the "kneecap". It is located in front of the femur and tibia. As the knee moves, the patella slides within a groove on the femur.

Back to top

 

 

 

Ligaments

Four major ligaments connect the bones of the upper and lower leg. Ligaments are strong bundles of fibers that stabilize the joint, guide joint motion, and prevent excessive motion.

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    The cruciates are the two major ligaments inside the knee joint. The name "cruciate" means "cross" and comes from the fact that these two ligaments cross each other as they attach to the femur and the tibia.

  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
    The collateral ligaments are the ligaments on either side of the knee joint. The MCL is on the inner side of the knee and the LCL is on the outer side of the knee.
    Back to top




    Muscles and Tendons

    Two sets of muscles cross the knee joint to make it move.

  • The quadriceps (sometimes referred to as "quads") are four muscles in the front of the thigh that straighten the knee .

  • The hamstrings (sometimes referred to as "hams") are the muscles in the back of the thigh that work together to bend the knee.

    Tendons are the connective structures that attach muscle to bones. Ligaments connect bone to bone. The four quadriceps come together to form one tendon called the quadriceps tendon. This tendon surrounds the patella and is called the patellar tendon as it attaches the muscles to the tibia.

    Back to top








    Cartilage

    There are two types of cartilage within the knee:

    • Articular Cartilage - The ends of each bone are covered with this smooth substance. Articular cartilage serves two purposes:
          · It minimizes friction and wear of the bone surfaces.
          · It spreads the loads that are applied to a joint.

    • Meniscus - There are two C-shaped wedges called menisci (plural). The medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus are cushions between the femur and the tibia. These rubber-like shock absorbers improve the fit of the two bones. The menisci are the parts of the knee damaged when someone is said to have "torn cartilage."

    Back to top



    © 2007 by LeadingMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Disclaimer
  • Clinic News

    Dr. Marc Philippon Chairs Recent Hip Arthroscopy Symposium in Vail

    May 16, 2012
    Read More

    Dr. Peter Millett Performs Biceps Tendon Surgery on World's Strongest Man Brian Shaw

    May 16, 2012
    Read More

    Dr. Thomas Clanton from The Steadman Clinic Discusses STAR an Ankle Joint-Replacement Option

    April 24, 2012
    Read More

    Dr. Robert LaPrade of The Steadman Clinic Offers an Interesting Perspective on PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy

    April 16, 2012
    Read More

    Dr. Marc Philippon Discusses Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in 5280 The Denver Magazine

    March 30, 2012
    Read More

    Dr. Richard Steadman Performs Knee Surgery on Minnesota Timberwolves Guard Ricky Rubio

    March 22, 2012
    Read More

    Dr. Donald Corenman Selected as Top Spine Surgeon You Should Know by Beckers Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management Review.

    March 7, 2012
    Read More

    Dr. Peter Millett Leads Research Study on The Best Procedures for Treating Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

    February 24, 2012
    Read More

    The Steadman Clinic is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Physicians & Surgeons - Orthopedic Surgery in Vail CO Vail: (970) 476-1100Frisco: (970) 668-6760

    Office Hours at All Locations: Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm