Knee Anatomy Diagram

How does the knee function?

Running, jumping, sitting, and squatting — all these movements are made possible through the body’s largest joint, the knee. This hinge joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg is made up of bones, meniscus, tendons, collateral and cruciate ligaments.

The knee joint primarily consists of the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia), with the patella (kneecap) protecting the front. Resting on corresponding parts of the tibia are rounded joint surfaces known as condyles (medial and lateral condyles).

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) cross in the center, controlling back-and-forth motion. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) are on the sides, preventing excessive sideways motion.

Two crescent-shaped cartilages, the medial and lateral menisci, act as shock absorbers. They also cushion the knee during impact and distribute weight evenly. Both the medial meniscus and lateral meniscus help guarantee smooth movement. Additionally, the knee articular cartilage allows bones to glide smoothly over each other with minimal friction. As a result, the individual experiences fluid and pain-free movements.

When it comes to the knee’s movement, muscles and tendons provide it with power. The quadriceps tendon joins the front thigh muscles to the patella, enabling knee extension. The patellar tendon stretches from the patella to the tibia, transmitting force from the quadriceps to the shin bone. Together, all these components allow the knee to perform complex movements while providing stability and support.

What is a Knee Anatomy Diagram?

A Knee Anatomy Diagram is an illustration depicting the knee joint and its surrounding structures. It precisely highlights the location, structure, and connections. This diagram aids healthcare professionals, like physical therapists, in clearly explaining the anatomy and function of the knee to their patients.

Such diagrams enhance the treatment of knee injuries by providing a clear and detailed visual aid, thereby improving patient comprehension. A well-illustrated diagram facilitates more effective and engaging explanations. It is also helpful as an educational resource for students in the field.

How to use our Knee Anatomy Diagram template?

You can use the Knee Anatomy Diagram template during client sessions. Here’s how to incorporate it into your practice

Step 1: Download the template

Click on the provided link to download the Knee Anatomy Diagram template to your computer. You may print a physical copy if you want to have one displayed in your clinic or handed to your client.

Step 2: Use the diagram

Refer to the diagram to explain the knee anatomy. If using a digital device, you can zoom in on specific areas, highlight structures, and provide a detailed explanation.

Step 3: Add notes and store them for future use

Add any relevant notes to the diagram digitally or on the printed copy. Store the annotated diagram in a secure location for future reference and use.

Benefits of using this diagram

A Knee Anatomy Diagram is a great tool for understanding how the knee works and what happens when it gets injured. Here are three benefits of using such a diagram:

Clear understanding

As mentioned earlier in this guide, a Knee Anatomy Diagram visually represents the knee, making it easier to understand its structure. With this, both healthcare professional and patients see just where each part is located and how they connect during client sessions.

Better communication

Using the diagram, doctors can explain injuries and treatments more effectively. Patients can see exactly what is being discussed, making medical conversations clearer and less confusing.

Improved treatment plans

With a visual aid, doctors can create more precise treatment plans by pinpointing the exact location of an injury. Patients can also follow along and understand why certain treatments are necessary, leading to better cooperation and outcomes.

Common treatments for knee injuries

Treatments for knee pain and injuries vary based on their severity. When a patient's knee pain is just starting, it can still be managed through homecare interventions. However, for severe injuries, the patient might undergo other treatments, such as surgery (Ma, 2022; Mulcahey, 2022).

Nonsurgical treatment

Knee pain from simple causes often gets better on its own, but it's important to guide your patients on how to manage their symptoms. One practical method at the onset of an injury is the RICE protocol. Here’s how it can help speed up recovery:

• Rest: Encourage your patients to avoid putting weight on the painful knee.
• Ice: Have them use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Remind them not to apply ice directly to the skin.
• Compression: Suggest they lightly wrap the injured area with a soft bandage or an ace wrap.
• Elevation: To reduce swelling, advise them to elevate the injured knee higher than their heart while resting.

If appropriate and necessary, prescribe patients with medications to help alleviate the pain and swelling. Another method for this is through physical therapy to help restore general movements.

Surgical treatment

For severe injuries and fractures, surgical treatment may be necessary to repair damaged tissues or bones. For example, if a patient, say an athlete, suffers a torn ACL or a complex fracture from a sports injury, surgery can help restore function and stability to the knee. Post-surgery, patients typically also undergo physical therapy to assist in recovery and regain strength and mobility

References

Ma, C. B. (2022, December 12). Knee pain. Penn Medicine. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/knee-pain

Mulcahey, M. K. (2022, February). Common knee injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/common-knee-injuries/