Knee

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Knee Anatomy

The anatomy of the knee joint consists of the femur, tibia and patella. The femur or thighbone is the long bone connecting the hip to the knee and forms the upper end of the knee joint. The tibia or shinbone connects the knee to the ankle and makes up the lower side of the knee joint. The patella or kneecap is the small bone in front of the knee. The fibula is a shorter and thinner bone running parallel to the tibia on its outside.

The knee bones are connected at the joint by strong ligaments and surrounded by muscles. The ligaments of the knee joint stabilize the knee allowing it to function normally. The cruciate ligaments (anterior and posterior) are important internal non-elastic structures which guide the knee in its normal motion. Two of the four major ligaments of the knee joint are the medial collateral ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament.

Articular cartilage is the smooth lining which makes up the surfaces at the end of the femur and tibia. It is the damage to this surface, by either injury, disease or age which causes arthritis.

Additional Anatomy of the Knee Joint

The menisci are specialized structures within the knee joint between the femur and tibia. There is a medial and lateral meniscus. These tissues help distribute load, absorb shock, and stabilize the knee while aiding in lubrication.

The anatomy of the knee joint: further reading (courtesy of biomet.com)

For more information on how the knee anatomy specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-467-4992 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC.