Knee
The knee joint, which appears like a simple hinge joint, is one of the most complex joints in the body.
The knee joint is made up of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (lower leg bone), and patella (the kneecap). All these bones are lined with articular cartilage (surface cartilage). This articular cartilage acts like a shock absorber and allows a smooth, low friction surface for the knee to move on. Between the tibia and femur lie two floating cartilages called menisci. The medial (inner) meniscus and the lateral (outer) meniscus rest on the tibial surface cartilage and are mobile. The menisci also act as shock absorbers and stabilizers. The knee is stabilized by ligaments that are both inside and outside the joint. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments support the knee from excessive side-to-side movement. The (internal) anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments support the knee from buckling and giving way. The knee joint is surrounded by a capsule (envelope) that produces a small amount of synovial (lubricating) fluid to help with smooth motion. Thigh muscles are important secondary knee stabilizers.
We tend to ignore our knees until something happens to them that causes pain. If we take good care of our knees now, before there is a problem, we can really help ourselves. In addition, if some problems with the knees develop, an exercise program can be extremely beneficial. To understand the functions, conditions, surgeries & procedures of the knee better, we have included an interactive animated presentation.
Learn more about common conditions:
Broken Bones, Fractures and Injury
- Distal Femur (Thighbone) Fractures of the Knee
- Fractures of the Proximal Tibia
- Growth Plate Fractures
- Hamstring Muscle Strain
- Muscle Strains in the Thigh
- Stress Fractures
Diseases and Syndromes
- Burning Thigh Pain (Meralgia paresthetica)
- Discoid Meniscus
- Knee Tendon Bursitis
- Kneecap (Prepatellar) Bursitis
- Osteonecrosis of the Knee
Arthroscopy and Reconstruction
Tears and Instability
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
- Collateral Ligament Injuries
- Combined Knee Ligament Injuries
- Meniscal Tear
- Patellar Tendon Tear
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear
- Quadriceps Tendon Tear
- Unstable Kneecap
Pain Syndromes
- Adolescent Anterior Knee Pain
- Arthritis of the Knee
- Burning Thigh Pain (Meralgia paresthetica)
- Compartment Syndrome
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain)
- Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)
Treatment and Joint Replacement
Joint Replacement
- Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement
- Osteotomy of the Knee
- Total Knee Replacement
- Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
Nonsurgical Treatment
ACL injury treatment options: Is ACL Reconstruction right for me?
A torn ACL isn’t just another injury—it can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, that pop in your knee can feel like the end of a season or even a career. But it doesn’t have to be. The right treatment can get you back
Knee Arthroscopy
Your knees help support your weight and let your legs bend and move. Almost any movement that uses your legs relies on your knees — your knees help when you’re walking, running, and jumping. Neglecting a long-term knee injury increases the likelihood of developing degenerative conditions and causing irreversible joint damage.
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
For many people, knee pain has become an unwelcome part of life. Your knees help support your weight and let your legs bend and move. Almost any movement that uses your legs relies on your knees. Osteoarthritis of the knee happens when cartilage in your knee joint breaks down. When
