VH Dissector: Lower Limb: Knee

There are four bones associated with the knee joint.

Articulations of the Knee:

There are two main articulations and one that does not contribute to motion at the knee joint. They are:

• Tibiofemoral Joint (knee joint)

• Patellafemoral Joint

• Proximal Tibiafibula articulation (lies outside the knee joint capsule)

Ligaments Not Reinforcing the Capsule

The cartilages of the knee joint are termed "menisci" (singular: meniscus). There are two menisci within the knee joint and both are enclosed within the articular capsule

Lateral reinforcement of the capsule

Posterior reinforcement of the capsule

The oblique popliteal ligament (not identified in this donor body) is a continuation of the semimembranosis muscle, Its function is to limit external rotation of the tibia on the femur and to limit knee extension and hyperextension.

The arcuate ligament (not identified in this donor body) has two bands which both originate at the head of the fibula posteriorly. The lateral head inserts on the lateral aspect of the femur, while the medial head inserts on the intercondylar area on the posterior aspect of the knee. It contributes to stabilization of the posterior lateral corner of the knee in cases of rotary instability. The arcuate ligament provides a pathway for the popliteus muscle to enter the joint capsule.

Medial reinforcement of the capsule

Blood Flow Around the Knee Joint

Arterial Anastomosis Around Knee Joint

The genicular anastomosis (anastomosis around the knee joint) supplies the distal femur, proximal tibia, patella, joint capsule, synovium and superficial tissues. Vascular injection techniques have demonstrated that the anastomosis is composed of two interconnected arterial networks: a superficial network located in the superficial tissues, and a deep network situated adjacent to the bone and fibrous capsule of the knee joint. 

The arteries which make up the genicular anastomosis are:

Credits:

VH Dissector steps modified for Drexel Dissector by Dr. Haviva Goldman and Ms. Sophie Geagan (MD student) from original website activity created by Jeffrey Fahl, MD, Kyle Petersen, PhD, Richard Drake, PhD, Alesha Petitt, MA, Claira Ralston, MS and Kim Price, MA and modified by Jeffrey Fahl, MD, Michael Smith, PhD, Albany Medical College.