Anatomy of the Knee
By Ehren Allen, PT/Certified Manual Therapist
Anatomy of the Knee Joint
Please watch this Anatomy of the Knee Video.
To read a related article about Knee Anatomy, please go to this article knee anatomy or knee ligaments.
The knee is the body’s largest joint. It’s the place where three bones meet: the tibia, the femur and the patella. The knee is a “hinge” joint. It allows the leg to bend in one direction only. Let’s take a closer look at the main parts of the knee’s anatomy.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL).
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL).
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL).
The ACL is the most commonly injured of the 4 major ligaments. This ligament is often injured in sports like football. The ACL provides internal stability and helps to prevent hyperextension and excessive rotation at the knee.
The PCL also provides internal stability. It helps to prevent the lower leg from sliding too far backwards in relation to the thigh. It is often injured in car accidents when the knee hits the dashboard.
The MCL runs from the inside portion of the lower thigh to the upper inside of the lower leg. It helps to keep the knee from collapsing inward. The MCL often heals without having surgery but surgery can be an option with a 3 degree tear.
The LCL runs form the outside portion of the lower thigh to the upper outside of the lower leg. It helps to keep the knee from collapsing outward. The LCL injury is not as common as the other knee ligaments.
Ligaments and Meniscus of the Knee
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Also, if you would like to learn more about the knee, please check out our JOI YouTube Channel!
Lateral Knee Anatomy
When Should You See A Doctor?
All JOI Physicians, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists now offer Telemedicine services for virtual visits from the convenience of your home. If you feel that it is best to stay in your own home during this time. In addition, watch this video about why you should not wait if you have knee pain, please watch: KNEE PAIN CAN’T WAIT!
Human Knee joint
Related Articles: Knee Anatomy, Anatomy of the Hip Joint and Anatomy of the Spine.
To learn more about Direct Access to Physical Therapy without seeing an MD, please read this ARTICLE.
Please watch this video on How To Put On a Medial Unloader Brace.
JOI and JOI Rehab
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JOI Rehab Staff