The knee is the largest joint in the body, made up of the lower end of the thighbone (femur), the upper end of the shinbone (tibia) and the knee cap (patella). The knee also includes four major ligaments that connect the bones, control motion, stabilize the joint and restrict abnormal movement. The knee cartilage allows the bones in the knee to glide smoothly over each other.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 19.4 million people saw a physician in 2003 because of a knee problem. Knee pain is a common complaint and there are many potential causes including the following:
Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common sources of knee pain and typically affects patients over 50 years of age. The disease is a degenerative condition characterized by the gradual wearing away of the joint cartilage. ..read more
The meniscus is the cartilage in the knee that serves as a shock absorber and stabilizer. A wedge-shaped, rubbery cushion in the form of the letter “C”, the menisci help distribute the weight of the body evenly across the knee joint. Damage to the meniscus often happens during a ligament tear. ..read more
Each year, at least 1 in 3,000 Americans between the ages of 14 and 55 tear an anterior cruciate ligament while exercising or playing sports. ..read more
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) connects the thighbone to the shinbone and helps stabilizes the inner side of the knee. A blow to the outside of the knee may cause injury to the MCL which may be accompanied by sharp pain on the inside of the knee. ..read more
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is located in the back of the knee connecting the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and prevents the shinbone from moving too far backward. It provides stability and helps control movement in the knee. ..read more
Baker's Cyst and Osgood-Schlatter Disease ..read more
For more information about knee injuries and conditions, visit http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/
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