The structure of the knee joint - anatomy, diseases and prevention. Anatomy of the knee joint and ligaments: structure in the photo Knee joint rear view

The knee is the largest joint that articulates the femur, tibia and patella through fibrous and muscle tissue. The joint plays an important role in walking, running, standing, sitting, jumping. The complex anatomical structure of the knee explains the numerous types of knee injuries. Often there is a sprain and rupture of the ligaments of the knee joint. The meniscus is strengthened by the transverse, anterior and posterior menisco-femoral ligaments.

Ligament injuries occur due to sudden movements, excessive physical activity, blows, sudden extension of the knee. Stretching is accompanied by pain, violation of the anatomically correct position of the knee, swelling. Ligament rupture is characterized by a more intense manifestation of symptoms. Rupture of extra-articular lateral ligaments may be accompanied by injuries to the meniscus and capsule. The internal ligaments are damaged if the lower leg deviates too much outward. Less common are cruciate ligament injuries.

When an injury occurs, the area is fixed with a bandage. To reduce pain, give painkillers, apply cold compresses. Appoint drug treatment or surgical. A reduction in physical activity is required for the rehabilitation period.

Extra-articular:

• fibula - located in the lateral fragment of the knee, the upper end is fixed on the outer part of the femur bone, and the lower end articulates with the upper fragment of the fibula;
• tibia tibia - located with inside knee and in the same place articulates with the femur and tibia, crosses the cavity in the knee, where the ligament is connected to the cartilaginous plate of the knee capsule and through it - to the internal meniscus;
• arched;
• oblique popliteal;
• ligaments of the articular patella.

In addition to the knee ligaments and tendons, the structure includes blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and bones.

The patella or patella is located in the frontal zone of the knee and articulates with the quadriceps femoris muscle with a tendon that passes into the patellar ligament. Violations of the integrity in the knee occur with transcendental movements of the joint. Cartilage covers the ends of bones at joints and prevents friction during movement.

The structure of the knee includes a number of synovial bags:

• patella;
• subpatellar deep;
• tendinous sartorius muscle;
• subcutaneous prepatellar;
• knee groove.

The structure and structure of the knee ligaments regulate the motor function: flexion, extension, rotation around the axis, and also limit the movement of the joint.

Ligaments that help strengthen the meniscus

The ligaments that fix the meniscus on the knee are as follows:

• the transverse ligament of the knee, which is not connected to the bones and articulates both cartilage plates from the frontal region;
• anterior menisco-femoral - begins with the medial meniscus and is fixed on the thigh bone;
• posterior menisco-femoral - articulates with the lateral meniscus and femur.

Ligaments and related injuries

Most often the ligaments of the knee are damaged. Knee-joint articulates the femur to the tibia. Ruptured fibrous fibers cause a violation of the normal structure of the joint and functional mobility. The source of the injury is incorrect movements and excessive load on the knee. Depending on the applied force and direction, single or multiple ligaments may be damaged.

The reason for the violation of the integrity of the posterior cruciate ligament is a direct mechanical effect on the lower leg and sudden extension of the knee, excessive loads, accidents, etc. The outer lateral ligaments are torn when falling from an uneven surface or when a leg is twisted. The inner laterals are damaged for the same reasons, but with an external deviation of the lower leg.

At the same time, rupture of numerous ligaments, damage to blood vessels and nervous tissue can occur. Such injuries are classified as severe. Sprain symptoms:

• soreness in the area of ​​damage;
• slight swelling and hematoma;
• violation anatomical structure knee;
• partial loss of motor function.

With ruptures, the symptoms are similar, but the pain is intense, the knee swells strongly, large hematomas develop, when you try to move, a crunch is heard, total loss mobility and stability of the joint, or excessive mobility of the patella. The degree of injury to the ligaments directly depends on the type of damage to the fibrous fibers. There are three degrees of complexity of sprains and ruptures:

• First, a small amount of connective tissue fibers is damaged. The mobility of the knee is preserved.
• The second is that most of the fibers are damaged. Motor function is limited and painful.
• Third - the fibers are completely damaged and disconnected from the bone. The knee is unstable and immobilized.

Most often, sprains and ruptures of the connective fibers occur on the lateral large ligament, which connects to the knee capsule and meniscus. A slightly smaller amount of damage occurs in the tibial and anterior cruciate ligaments. The most rarely fixed is rupture or stretching of the outer lateral.

Rupture of extra-articular lateral ligaments of the knee

When a tendon ruptures in the knee joint, a strong crunch is heard, the anatomical structure of the knee is disturbed, unusual mobility is recorded lower limb. Often, when the lateral knee ligaments are torn, the joint capsule and meniscus are damaged. The joint swells strongly, hematomas occur. The knee itself loses stability.

Rupture of the internal lateral ligaments of the knee

Traumatic conditions of the internal ligaments of the knee joint are characterized by an incomplete rupture of fibrous fibers and are classified as moderately severe (second degree). Such injuries occur with a strong deviation of the lower leg outward. Often it is accompanied by complete damage to the capsular-ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint. Symptoms are characterized by intense pain in the area of ​​torn ligaments of the knee joint. The pain is aggravated by palpation. The anatomical functionality of the knee is reduced. Hematomas and large edema appear.

With complete rupture of the ligaments, unnatural hypermobility of the knee joint is noted.

Ruptured cruciate ligaments of the knee

Incomplete or complete rupture of the cruciate ligaments is a rare type of injury. The posterior knee ligament is even less likely to be injured, and injuries to the posterior and anterior are observed as isolated cases. Symptoms of ruptures of the internal ligaments of the knee joint:

• intense pain:
• motor function is limited;
• when blood vessels are damaged, hemarthrosis develops (accumulation of blood in the joint cavity).

Diagnosis of the degree of damage to the cruciate ligaments is complicated by the presence of large hematomas. Therefore, diagnostic arthroscopy is additionally performed.

Treatment Methods

In the event of an injury, you must first aid to the patient:

• immobilize the injured limb with a bandage;
• lay the patient down, if possible, position the injured leg higher (put a pillow or roller);
• apply cold compresses to the swelling area for 15-20 minutes;
• with unbearable pain, give an anesthetic drug;
• transport the patient to a medical facility.

In the clinic, after a preliminary examination, the following are carried out:

• fluoroscopy;

A physical examination will allow you to determine the extent of the injury in more detail.

Conservative treatment

Therapy is determined by the type and severity of the injury. With the first and second, they are limited to conservative methods. First of all, the limb is immobilized: in mild forms, a soft bandage is applied ( elastic bandage or kneecap) for one month, in more complex cases, immobilization is carried out with a plaster splint or a special hinged orthosis for 1-2 months.

To stop the pain symptom, medications and special creams and ointments (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. Immediately after injury, cold compresses should be done for no more than 20 minutes. At first, active movements should be avoided and the limb should not be held vertically. A couple of days after getting a stretch, you can switch to warm compresses, rub your knee with warming ointments.

To reduce inflammation and swelling, you can make lotions from decoctions of medicinal plants.

Rehabilitation therapy begins after 20 days with mild and moderate forms of injury, and with complex - 2 months after surgery. Physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out, physiotherapy and massage. The load on the affected leg is increased gradually. The diet must be supplemented with vitamin complexes and minerals. It is necessary to take drugs that restore and strengthen the ligaments of the knee joint.

knee surgery

With a complete separation of fibrous fibers, an operation is performed. Great importance has a statute of limitations on the injury. If less than three weeks have passed since the injury, surgical rehabilitation of the ligaments is possible. Surgical intervention is aimed at replacing damaged fibers and their compaction due to fragments of fibrous tissue of healthy tendons. With more later dates it is impossible to sew the fibers during the operation: they are compressed, and it will not work to bring them closer to connect with a seam. An arthroplasty operation is performed using various non-natural materials and lavsan tape.

After such operations, rehabilitation therapy has a longer period.

The most common is arthroscopy. At the first stage, the joint cavity is cleared of blood clots. In the presence of damage to the menisci, exfoliated fibers, resection of the damaged fragments is performed. Ruptured cruciate ligaments of the knee are difficult to treat, because due to the anatomical structure they do not have a regenerative ability. Stitching of the posterior cruciate ligament is not feasible. An operation is performed to replace the ligament with a graft. Fixation of the graft in the bone canals is carried out using titanium bolts. They are installed in such a way that in the future they do not interfere with the normal functioning of the knee.

After the operation, a plaster splint is applied or a hinged orthosis is prescribed.

Timely adequate treatment for knee ligament ruptures will help to avoid complications with subsequent knee instability. In most cases, conservative therapy is sufficient.

Each person tries in every possible way to protect himself from various diseases, Because health is the most important thing.

In order to avoid diseases, it is necessary, first of all, to know the characteristics of the body.

In the article we will consider the structure of the knee joint.
The knee joint belongs to the category of trochlear, so it has one axis of motion, which runs along the length of the joint itself.

The knee joint is one of the most complex systems in the body.

The structure of the human knee joint is one of the most complex systems in the body. It is formed by three bones: from above, the femur, from below, the tibia, and in front is the patella, the structure of which is also quite complex.

It is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body.

The kneecap is located in the tendons of the quadriceps muscle. It can be felt without problems. The kneecap can easily shift to the side and move up or down. The upper part (the base of the patella) of the cup has a rounded shape. The lower part (apex of the patella) has an elongated shape.
Almost the entire surface of the cup is slightly rough. Behind the patella is divided into two asymmetrical parts: (medial and lateral). The main function of the cup is protective, it protects the joint from injury.

menisci

The structure of the knee also includes menisci - a kind of layer (cartilaginous pads), with the help of which the stability of the joint increases. In other words, these are knee shock absorbers. They are located between the tibia and the femur. When a person moves, the menisci of the knee joint change shape (compress).

The menisci are the shock absorbers of the knee.

Experts distinguish several types of meniscus of the knee joint:

• Lateral (sometimes called external). It is very mobile, while being injured less often than the second type;
• Medial (internal). The meniscus is inactive, associated with the collateral (internal) lateral ligament of the knee joint. This structure often causes a joint and collateral joint.

Capsule of the knee joint

The system includes the capsule of the knee joint. This is a kind of fibrous case, with the help of which the bones are in contact with each other. The shape of this capsule can be compared to an elongated cylinder, the back wall of which is concave inward.

The capsule of the knee joint is a kind of case

Attached joint capsule to the tibia and to the femur.
The inner side of the capsule is called the synovium.

The structure of the knee joint is very well thought out by nature. It contains synovial fluid (a lubricant for cartilage) that makes sliding painless.

It also nourishes cartilage useful substances that slow down their wear.

From the upper and lower bones, protrusions are formed, which are called the condyle of the knee joint (internal and external). Their scientific name is lateral (external) and medial (internal) condyle.
The surface of the tibia and femur, the patella (patella), which are in contact with each other, is covered with smooth cartilage. This makes sliding easy.

Knee bags

The muscles and ligaments of the knee joint form the tendons in which the patella is located.
A very important component of this structure is the bags of the knee joint, thanks to which the muscles, tendons, fascia can move freely and painlessly.
Scientists have six main bags, which include:

• suprapatellar bag;
• Deep subpatellar bag;
• Subcutaneous prepatellar bag;
• bag of the semimembranosus muscle;
• Own bag of the semimembranosus muscle;
• Bag of the hamstring.

The structure of the ligaments of the knee joint

With ligament injuries, a person experiences discomfort, cannot move normally and exercise. The ligaments of the knee joint and their anatomy is a rather complex system.
It includes the following elements:

1. Anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint.

It begins on the internal femoral condyle. The ligament crosses the joint. At the end, it is attached in the region of the intercondylar fossa. The cruciate ligament of the knee joint helps to stabilize the knee joint, controls the displacement of the lower leg.

The ligaments of the knee joint and their anatomy is a complex system.

3. Collateral (internal) lateral ligament of the knee joint.

Experts distinguish three parts of this bundle:

• Upper (has the largest size in the system of external ligaments. It has an oval shape, attached to the inside of the condyle. Closer to the bottom, the ligament is divided into two parts;
• Posterior (located behind the superior ligament, interacts with the semimembranosus muscle);
• Deep part of the ligament (connected to the inside of the meniscus).

The medial collateral ligament of the knee joint normalizes the movement of the lower leg.

4. External lateral ligament.

In the lower part, the lateral ligament of the knee joint is connected to the fibula. It starts from the external condyle. When the leg is extended, the ligament is tense, and when flexed, it is relaxed. It has no connection with the meniscus, because there is a fatty layer between them.
A little below the kneecap is the so-called patellar ligament. It is attached to the tibia.

All of them provide a person normal life: walking, the ability to exercise, while it is the ligaments that most often cause various injuries of the knee joint.

Video about the anatomy of the knee joint.

Based on the above information, it can be argued that the knee joint has a very complex structure.

This part of the human body performs important functions: it allows you to bend and unbend the leg, turn it to the sides.

Also, the knee allows a person to do a lot of exercise and move around. In this case, the joint is the place that most often lends itself to damage. First of all, this is due precisely to the complex anatomy of the knee.

The human knee is a unique joint capable of performing complex spatial movements. No four-legged animal has such a mobile and at the same time stable connection. The knee acquired such complex anatomical features and functional features in the process of evolution, from the moment a person became upright. Consider the structure of the human knee joint in order to better understand how it works.

Knee joint: anatomy and functions

The knee joint consists of:

• of two tubular bones(femur and tibia) and one sesamoid bone (patella) (the fibula of the lower leg is not included in the joint);
• seven external and three intra-articular ligaments;
• lateral and medial menisci;
• articular (synovial) capsule;
• several synovial bags (burs).

Main bones of the knee joint

The articular surfaces of both tubular bones (epiphyses) have two condyles - terminal extensions. One of them is internal (medial), the other condyle is external (lateral). The condyles of the thigh have a convex shape, between them there is a recess. Accordingly, the condyles of the tibia are concave in shape with an elevation in the middle. Thus, an ideal condylar lock of the epiphyses is formed. The surfaces of the condyles are covered with a smooth cartilaginous layer (hyaline cartilage), which ensures smooth, unhindered sliding in the joint.

The articulation surfaces do not adjoin tightly to each other: between them there is a joint space, which is clearly visible on radiography.

The tubular bones of the joint are connected by four ligaments - two lateral external (lateral and medial) and two internal (anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments).

The patella (synonymous with the patella) is located in front of the knee. Its role is twofold: it must protect the knee as much as possible and at the same time ensure its full mobility. The need for a patella and complicates the structure of the knee:

The patella is suspended with the help of three ligaments - one's own and two supporting ones. This ensures his freedom and at the same time keeps him in an anatomically correct position.

The inner surface of the patella, like other articular surfaces, is covered with hyaline cartilage.

Articular capsule of the knee

The joint capsule is a soft-tissue elastic two-layer shell, a bag in which the joint moves.

Its upper layer consists of fibrous tissue, and the inner one of the synovial membrane. The synovial membrane is permeated with a network of blood vessels through which important substances enter the joint. In addition, the shell itself produces a special fluid (synovia), which contains:

• chondroitin sulfate (the main component of cartilage);
• glycosaminoglycan (hyaluronic acid), which increases viscosity, due to which the synovium turns into a lubricant for the joints.

Not from the bones, but from the synovial membrane, degenerative-dystrophic processes in the joints often begin. She is directly involved in the pathogenesis of arthrosis. Pathologies of the synovial membrane, congenital or acquired, impoverish the synovium, giving rise to a deficiency of the main components in it, which disrupts the process of cartilage regeneration, leads to difficult movements and a crunch in the joints.

The articular capsule forms numerous inversions and pockets, which increases its volume, allows you to bypass all the elements of the joint and promotes better circulation of the synovium.

In addition to internal pockets, in the knee area there are many superficial and deep bags (burs) located between the tendons, under them and not far from them. More about bursas in.

Ligaments of the knee

The anatomy of the knee joint is represented by nine ligaments, each of which has its own purpose.

The general role of the ligaments is the reliable stability of the joint: none of its parts during flexion, extension, abduction, adduction or rotation should not go beyond the allowable limit. The margin of safety of the ligament allows you to exceed these limits, but thanks to our nervous system, which regulates all movements of the ODS, at the moment of a dangerous approach to the anatomical barrier in the joint, sharp pain. If this were not the case, the person would constantly injure himself. If the applied external force exceeds the margin of safety of the ligament, a rupture occurs in it.

Why are sports injuries so common? During the competition, a lot of adrenaline is released into the athlete's blood, and he stops just feeling pain, and may not even notice that a ligament or meniscus has torn.

Ligaments of the femur and tibia

The femur and tibia are strengthened:

• two lateral (collateral) ligaments - external (lateral) and internal (medial);
• anterior sacral ligament (ACL);
• posterior sacral ligament (PCL).

external collateral ligament also called fibular: it starts from the epicondyle of the femur and goes to the head of the m / b * bone. It does not connect to the joint capsule.

Internal collateral ligament(synonym: tibial) connects the inner epicondyle of the femur with the inner surface of the b / b * bone. It is wider and more powerful than the outer one, covers the joint capsule, connecting with it in front and behind, and is attached to the medial meniscus.

The role of the collateral ligaments is to limit lateral flexion and rotation of the knee.

Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments(PCS and ZKS) are located inside the joint capsule and cross the joint cavity.

• ACL starts from the outer edge of the tuberosity of the femur and ends at the anterior surface of the white bone, near the intercondylar eminence;
• The PCL comes from the internal condyle of the femur and is attached between the condyles of the white bone near its posterior surface.

Purpose of cruciate ligaments:

• ACL protects the knee joint from hyperextension, that is, from the forward displacement of the lower leg;
• ZKS protects against bending of the knee with posterior displacement of the lower leg.

Patella ligaments

Their purpose is free fastening of the patella.

Anterior ligament of the kneecap often referred to as the patellar ligament by our orthopedists. This is a continuation of the tendon of the quadriceps (quadriceps muscle), passing over the patella and attached to it in the upper part, and in the lower part - to the median tubercle of the white bone.

Supportive ligaments of the patella- two small ligaments (medial and lateral), which are branches of the quadriceps tendon, with which the patella is attached near the inner and outer anterior articular surface of the white bone.

Posterior ligaments of the knee

On the back of the knee are two popliteal ligaments - oblique and arcuate. Their function is to maintain the stability of the knee in its posterior sections.

oblique ligament continues the tendon of the semimembranosus muscle and begins near the medial condyle of the b / b bone. It is partially attached to the femur and is fused with the posterior surface of the articular capsule.

Arcuate ligament begins behind, simultaneously from the head of the fibula and from the external condyle of the thigh. It is attached to the posterior median surface of the white bone and then goes inward along an arc, connecting with the oblique popliteal ligament.

The tenth, smallest ligament, is located inside the joint and connects the two menisci of the knee. It is called transverse meniscus ligament.

Menisci of the knee joint

The knee joint in its structure resembles an ideal lever-hinge mechanism, in which the levers are bones, muscles and tendons, and the hinge is the joint itself with its spherical surfaces. However, the knee is an even more perfect mechanism, since it provides supports and shock absorbers.

The supporting and shock-absorbing function is performed by the menisci, external and internal. These crescent-shaped plates of collagen, more elastic than all other cartilage, perfectly soften the load on the joints due to their own body weight and during movement.

When the knee is bent, up to 85% of the entire load falls on the menisci. They are also able to have a stabilizing effect during injury: for example, if the ACL is torn, the lower leg will not go forward, since it will be held by the medial meniscus attached to the collateral internal ligament.

Muscles of the knee

Without muscles, our leverage would be completely helpless.

Three types of muscles are responsible for the movement of the knee:

• flexors;
• extensors;
• adductor muscles (inner side of the thigh).

Flexors

• Quadriceps: it occupies the entire front and part of the lateral surface of the thigh and consists of four heads - the femoral muscles (straight, medial wide, lateral wide, intermediate wide).
• Sartorius- one of the longest thigh muscles of the anterior group: starts from ilium(anterior upper spine), goes obliquely downward in a spiral, entering the inner anterior surface of the lower leg, and is attached to the tuberosity of the white bone.

Posterior extensors

Biceps- consists of two heads, starting from the ischium and femur, which at the bottom pass into the tendon, which is attached to the head of the m / b bone.

Semitendon the muscle is located closer to the medial surface, borders on the outside with the biceps, on the inside with the semimembranosus muscle, and in the middle it is closed by the gluteus maximus. It starts from the ischial tuberosity, goes around the medial condyle of the femur and is attached to the tuberosity of the white bone, forming, together with the tailor and thin muscle, a triangle called the superficial goose foot.

Semimembranosus the muscle also originates from the ischial tuberosity and, going down, branches into three bundles (one reaches the medial condyle of the white bone, the second reaches the popliteal fascia, and the third passes into the medial ligament of the knee. The membranous muscle is involved in rotational rotation of the lower leg.

Adductor muscles

The adductor magnus is the largest of the medial (internal) muscles, originating from the lower pubic and ischial bones. Muscle fibers fan out downward and outward, attaching to the rough line of the thigh with wide tendons along the entire medial lip.

Thin muscle - a long subcutaneous muscle, the most medial. It starts from the pubic bone and is attached to the tubercle of the white bone.

The ligaments of the knee joint ensure its stability and fixation of the knee in the correct position.

Ligaments are a very important element of the knee joint and play an important role in providing the motor function of the knee.

Anatomy knee ligaments

The stability of the knee joint is provided by a large number of ligaments, among which five main types can be distinguished:

• anterior cruciate ligament;
• posterior cruciate ligament;
• internal lateral ligament (tibial collateral);
• external lateral ligament (peroneal collateral);
• patellar ligament.

In addition to ligaments, the menisci, tendons, ilio-tibial tract and biceps hips.

Do not confuse ligaments and tendons. The fixation of the ligaments occurs to the bones of the knee joint, thus, the ligaments, so to speak, connect the bones and stabilize them. Tendons are very strong connective tissue from bundles of collagen fibers, with the help of which the muscle is fixed to the bone. The knee joint is surrounded by the tendons of the lower leg and thigh.

The patella tendons connect the patella and the quadriceps femoris, and the hamstring is formed by three muscles located behind the thigh and the patella.

Each of the ligaments has structural features and performs its function.

The structure of all ligaments is represented by collagen fibers. The photo shows how these collagen fibers look under a microscope.

Anterior cruciate ligament

The anterior cruciate ligament keeps the lower leg from moving forward and inward.

This ligament is located in the center of the knee joint, from above it is fixed to the external condyle of the femur, after which it goes down, where it is fixed to the tibia. In the lower part, some fibers of the ligament are connected to the menisci. Perpendicular to the anterior cruciate ligament, behind it, is the posterior cruciate ligament. The average length of the anterior ligament becomes approximately three centimeters, and the width is 7-12 millimeters.

The anatomy of the anterior cruciate ligament is mainly composed of collagen fibers, which are practically not stretchable. These fibers inside the ligament are twisted in a spiral.

The structure of the anterior cruciate ligament is represented by two bundles: anterior-internal and posterior-external. This structure of the ligament provides better stability in the joint at different flexion angles.

The anterior cruciate ligament has virtually no blood vessels. However, it contains nerve endings that signal to the brain about the position (flexed or extended) of the knee joint.

The most common mechanisms for rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament are the following types:

• Deviation of the lower leg outward and torsion of the thigh inward;
• Deviation of the lower leg inward and torsion of the thigh outward;
• external rotation of the lower leg;
• as a result of a direct blow to the knee, thigh or shin.

The photo on the left shows damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, the photo on the right shows the tibial collateral

Posterior cruciate ligament

The posterior cruciate ligament is located behind the anterior cruciate. This ligament prevents the lower leg from moving backwards.

The fixation of the posterior cruciate ligament from above is carried out to the internal condyle of the femur, after which it descends and is attached to the tibia.

The structure of the posterior cruciate ligament is represented by three bundles: anterior external, posterior internal, Humphrey's bundle. When the knee is unbent, the anterior-outer bundle is relaxed, and the posterior-inner one is stretched; when the knee is bent, both bundles are stretched. The Humphreys bundle from below is attached behind the outer meniscus.

The most common rupture mechanism is a blow to the lower leg from the front.

The photo on the right shows damage to the posterior cruciate ligament.

Peroneal external ligament

This ligament is also called the lateral collateral.

Fixation of the peroneal external ligament is mainly carried out to the head of the fibula. From above, the ligament starts from the external condyle of the femur.

The lateral ligament is taut when the knee is extended and relaxed when the knee is bent. This ligament is not connected to the meniscus, there is a thin fatty pad between them.

The anatomy of the ligament is represented by collagen fibers.

Injury to the external ligament is accompanied by acute pain and most often occurs later inward deviation of the lower leg.

Tibial internal ligament

Another name for this ligament is the medial collateral ligament.

Fixation of the ligament is carried out from below to the tibia. From above, the ligament starts from the internal condyle of the femur.

Unlike the external ligament, the internal ligament is firmly connected to the internal meniscus of the knee joint.

The internal ligament has a complex anatomy.

In the structure of the tibial internal ligament, three parts can be distinguished.

• superficial part (superficial medial collateral ligament). This is the largest part of the external ligament complex. From above, it has an oval shape, its fixation is carried out and attached to the inner condyle of the femur. From below, the ligament takes on a flatter shape, splits into two legs, which are attached to the condyle of the tibia;
• the posterior oblique ligament, which is located behind the superficial ligament and is closely connected with the semimembranosus tendon;
• deep medial collateral ligament that connects to the medial meniscus of the knee joint.

The most common mechanism of damage to the internal tibial ligament is a blow to the outside of the leg with an extended knee joint. Also, a disease of the internal ligament can occur as a result of an indirect injury, when a person stumbles or slips, when falling with torsion on the leg, when the lower leg and foot are fixed, and the body of the body deviates outward.

On the sides of the joint are the external (peroneal) and internal (tibial) ligaments.

FROM patella knitting

This is the most powerful and strong ligament of the knee joint, it is also called the patellar ligament. It descends from the patella down and attaches to the tuberosity of the tibia.

The ligament takes part in the extension of the knee joint.

The blood supply to the ligament is from the subpatellar fat body, as well as from the supporting ligaments through the inferior genicular artery.

Damage to this ligament is a rare but very serious injury. Experts say that normally it is almost impossible to tear the patellar ligament of an adult. And such injuries are necessarily preceded by diseases of the ligament - tendinitis. Also, tendon diseases can provoke such an injury.

In addition to the largest ligaments described, an important role is played by the transverse ligament of the knee, which connects and stabilizes the anterior parts of the lateral and medial menisci, the oblique popliteal ligament, which runs transversely from the medial surface of the tibia to the lateral condyle of the femur to the posterior part of the joint capsule.

Diseases ligaments

There are such types of diseases of the ligaments of the knee joint:

• inflammation (tendinitis);
• stretching;
• rupture (full, partial, detachment from the attachment point).

Combined ligament injuries also occur. The combination of degenerative and destructive processes localized at the attachment sites of the ligaments is called enthesopathy. This disease occurs when the inflammatory processes are neglected, which lead to degenerative changes in the ligaments.

Enthesopathy is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• joint stiffness;
• constant aching pain;
• an increase in temperature over the damaged area;
• pain with muscle tension;
• sharp pain when feeling the knee area.

Diagnosis of enthesopathy is carried out using ultrasound. Basically, enthesopathy is treated with medication and additionally with the use of physiotherapy procedures. If not treated promptly, enthesopathy can lead to degenerative change ligaments and tendon fibers.

Torn ligaments are accompanied by the following symptoms:

• sharp, sharp pain;
• swelling of the knee;
• hemarthrosis, which is manifested by redness, cyanosis of the knee;
• local increase in temperature;
• limitation of motor abilities, sometimes due to great pain - the inability to lean on the injured leg;
• complete tearing is accompanied by instability of the joint.

Pain in ligament injuries is eliminated by applying a cold compress to the damaged area. If the pain does not go away, you can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Diclofenac, Voltaren).

With partial tears, ruptures that do not entail instability of the joint, the ligaments usually fuse themselves. Worst of all, the posterior cruciate ligament grows together, the patellar ligament itself almost never grows together.

Knee ligament injuries are always accompanied by persistent, sometimes even sharp, pain.

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. The knee connects the femur to the lower leg. The smaller bone that runs next to the fibula and the patella are the other bones that form the knee joint.

Tendons connect the bones of the knee to the muscles in the legs that move the knee joint. Ligaments connect to the knee bones and provide stability to the knee.

Two C-shaped pieces of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci act as shock absorbers between the femur and lower leg. Numerous bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, help the knee move smoothly.

The co-forming surfaces of each bone are covered with a thin layer of hyaline cartilage, which gives them an extremely smooth surface and protects the underlying bone from damage.

In this article, you will learn: what is the structure of the knee joint, what injuries and pathologies can affect its performance and how to avoid them.

The structure of the knee joint - characteristic

The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the human body. It provides a connection for the hip or thigh, lower leg or lower leg. Composed of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and synovial fluid, the knee has the ability to bend, straighten and rotate sideways.

The knee is made up of four bones, namely the femur, tibia, patella, and fibula. Ligaments connect different bones. Five major ligaments contribute to the stability of the knee structure, which are the medial collateral, posterior cross, anterior cross, lateral collateral, and patellar ligaments.