The knee joint, which consists of two parts, connects the lower leg and thigh. One part is located between the lower leg and thigh, and the second is between the patella and femur. The knee joint is considered the most complex and largest joint of the human body. This movable block system has such a structure that allows for extension, bending and slight lateral and medial rotation. The knee joint supports almost the entire body weight of a person. This block is very vulnerable: it is prone to damage and the development of osteoarthritis.
As part of the block, patello-femoral, tibio-femoral components are distinguished. Collateral fibular ligaments are often considered as part of the tibio-femoral elements.
The knee joint, consisting of three functional compartments, is a hinge joint. The femoral-cup (femoro-patellar) part is included in its composition. It, in turn, consists of the kneecap located on the frontal plane of the pineal gland of the femur, along which the knee joint glides. Also femoral-tibial elements (lateral and medial) are included in the femoral-cup part. Thanks to these components, the tibia (the main one in the tibia) is connected with the femur. There is synovial fluid in the knee joint. It is present inside its synovial membrane (capsule).
The knee joint has a very important role. It performs the functions associated with the movement of body mass in the vertical (jumping) and horizontal (walking or running) directions.
After birth, the baby’s patella is undeveloped. Instead, there is actually an island of growth, which consists of cartilage. By the age of three for girls and by five for boys, this islet turns into an ordinary patella.
Joint block includes special formations. These include, in particular, femoral formations: the medial and lateral condyles. They diverge somewhat posteriorly and distally. The lateral condyle is wider anteriorly than posteriorly; the medial condyle has a greater constant width.
The patella is located in the joint capsule, in the anterior thin part of its wall. On its posterior surface there are medial and lateral planes, each of which has a message with the surface of the patella. It, in turn, combines the femoral condyles on the front of the distal edge of the bone.
In the joint capsule, the fibrous and synovial membrane (layer) are distinguished. They are separated by fatty deposits. The stable position of the joint is ensured by the ligaments surrounding it. In combination with several menisci and bursa ligaments provide a capsule.
As mentioned above, the knee joint is considered the most vulnerable element of the human joint system. Arthrosis with manifestations of arthritis, including gouty and rheumatoid, is among the main injuries of this block. Often are damage to the cartilage of the condyles in the thigh and tibia, capsule-ligamentous apparatus in the knee joint and others.
To restore the physiological axis of the leg, special medical devices are used. So, for example, a splint on the knee joint is applied in order to prevent damage or accelerate healing. Often it is used in the recovery period after fractures of the condyles of the femur and tibia after gypsum immobilization. It is also used for moderately severe instability of the knee joint. As a fixative, a bandage on the knee joint can be used. It allows you to reduce the load if damage occurs, as well as reduce inflammation.