The posterior view of an extended right knee dissection reveals the intricate architecture of the knee joint’s primary stabilizing structures. This detailed anatomical study provides essential insights into the complex relationships between articular surfaces, ligaments, and menisci during knee extension, particularly valuable for orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists.
By Anatomist90 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Labeled Components Description
Joint Capsule: A fibrous connective tissue structure that encapsulates the knee joint. The capsule contains synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid and maintains intra-articular pressure around 4-6 mmHg.
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Medial Condyle of Femur-Articular Surface: The medial weight-bearing surface of the femur, measuring approximately 6cm anteroposteriorly. This surface bears 60% of body weight and has a larger radius of curvature than the lateral condyle.
Lateral Condyle of Femur-Articular Surface: The lateral articular surface featuring a narrower radius of curvature. This condyle articulates with the lateral tibial plateau and plays a crucial role in the screw-home mechanism during terminal extension.
Intercondylar Fossa: A deep notch between the femoral condyles measuring 2-2.5cm in width. This space houses the cruciate ligaments and contains vital neurovascular structures.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament: The stronger of the cruciate ligaments with a tensile strength of approximately 2000N. It prevents posterior tibial translation and maintains rotatory stability during extension.
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Lateral Meniscus: A C-shaped fibrocartilage structure covering 70% of the lateral tibial plateau. It shows greater mobility during knee extension due to its more circular shape and looser capsular attachments.
Medial Meniscus: A semicircular fibrocartilage structure covering 50% of the medial tibial plateau. It exhibits less mobility during extension due to its firm attachment to the deep medial collateral ligament.
Medial Condyle of Tibia: The larger of the two tibial plateaus, measuring approximately 3cm anteroposteriorly. Its concave surface enhances stability during weight-bearing in extension.
Lateral Condyle of Tibia: The slightly convex lateral tibial plateau. Its unique geometry facilitates the pivoting motion during terminal knee extension.
Extension Mechanism and Biomechanics
Articular Relationships
The knee extension mechanism involves complex interactions between articulating surfaces. The femoral rollback phenomenon and screw-home mechanism provide maximum stability at terminal extension.
Ligamentous Function
During extension, the cruciate ligaments and menisci work synergistically. The PCL maintains a constant tension while the menisci optimize joint congruency.
Clinical Applications
Extension-Related Pathology
Understanding knee extension anatomy is crucial for diagnosing conditions like PCL insufficiency and meniscal pathology. Extension deficits often indicate specific structural abnormalities.
Surgical Considerations
The posterior surgical approach during knee extension requires careful attention to neurovascular structures. Proper exposure techniques minimize complications.
Conclusion
Mastery of knee extension anatomy from the posterior aspect is fundamental for clinical practice. This knowledge guides diagnostic approaches and surgical intervention strategies.
- “Right Knee Extension: Posterior Dissection Guide”
- “Posterior Knee Anatomy During Extension: Clinical Analysis”
- “Extended Knee Dissection: Posterior Anatomical Review”
- “Knee Extension Mechanism: Posterior Structural Guide”
- “Posterior Knee Extension Anatomy: Surgical Perspective”
