Knee-joint. Description

Knee joint, consisting of two parts, connects the shin and thigh. One part is between the shin and the thigh, and the second is between the patella and the femur. The knee joint is considered to be the most complex and large joint of the human body. This mobile block system has such a structure that it allows extension, bending and minor lateral and medial rotation. The knee joint supports almost the entire weight of the human body. This block is very vulnerable: it is prone to damage and development of osteoarthritis.

The composition of the block is distinguished by patello-femoral, tibio-femoral components. Collateral fibular ligaments are often considered as part of the tibio-femoral elements.

The knee joint, consisting of three functional compartments, is a joint of the hinged type. It includes femoro-cup (femoro-patellar) part. It, in turn, consists of a knee cap located on the frontal plane of the epiphysis of the thigh, along which the knee joint slides. Also, the femoral-cup part includes femoro-tibial elements (lateral and medial). Due to these components, the tibia (the major one in the lower leg) is connected to the femur. In the knee joint there is a synovial fluid. It is present inside its synovial membrane (capsule).

The knee joint is given a very important role. It performs functions related to the movement of body weight in the vertical (jumping) and horizontal (walking or running) direction.

At the child after a birth the kneecap is undeveloped. Instead, there is actually an islet of growth, which consists of cartilage. By the age of three girls and five boys this island turns into a regular knee cap.

The joint block includes special formations. These include, in particular, the formation of the femur: the medial and lateral condyles. They somewhat diverge posterally and distally. Lateral condyle in front wider than behind, medial 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 are located medial and lateral planes, each of which has a communication with the surface of the patella. It, in turn, combines the femoral condyles on the anterior part of the distal margin of the bone.

In the joint capsule, a fibrous and synovial membrane (layer) is distinguished. They are separated by fatty deposits. A stable position of the joint is provided by the ligaments surrounding it. In combination with several meniscuses and bursons, the ligaments provide a capsule.

As already mentioned above, the knee joint is considered to be the most vulnerable element of the human articular system. Among the main lesions of this block are arthrosis with manifestations of arthritis, gouty and rheumatoid including. Frequent damage to the cartilage cartilage in the hip and tibia, the capsular-ligament apparatus in the knee joint, and others.

To restore the physiological axis of the leg, special medical devices are used. So, for example, the tutor on the knee joint is superimposed to prevent damage or accelerate healing. Often it is used in the recovery period after fractures of the condyles of the femoral and tibia after gypsum immobilization. It is also used with moderately pronounced instability of the knee joint. As a fixator, a bandage on the knee joint can be used. It can reduce the load if there is damage, and also reduce inflammation.