Your knee is one of the body's largest and most intricate joints, connecting your thigh to your lower leg. This remarkable joint allows you to walk, run, jump, and perform countless daily activities while supporting your body weight.

Learning about your knee's structure helps you better understand potential injuries and treatment options. Dr. Albersheim specializes in comprehensive knee care, combining advanced surgical techniques with personalized rehabilitation protocols.

The Bones of Your Knee

Three primary bones form the knee joint: the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). The femur's lower end features two rounded projections called condyles that rest on the flat upper surface of the tibia.

Your kneecap acts as a protective shield for the front of the joint while improving the mechanics of your quadriceps muscle. The fibula, a smaller bone alongside the tibia, provides additional stability to the lower leg.

Cartilage and Shock Absorption

Smooth articular cartilage covers the bone surfaces where they meet, creating a low-friction environment for movement. This specialized tissue allows your knee to bend and straighten smoothly without the bones grinding together.

Two C-shaped menisci sit between the femur and tibia, acting as cushions that distribute your body weight evenly across the joint. These structures absorb impact during activities and help stabilize the knee during movement.

Ligaments: Your Knee's Stabilizers

Four major ligaments control knee stability and movement. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL) run along the inner and outer sides of your knee, preventing excessive side-to-side motion.

Inside the joint, the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) cross each other in an X pattern, controlling forward and backward movement. ACL injuries are particularly common in athletes who participate in sports involving sudden stops and direction changes.

Muscles That Power Your Knee

The quadriceps muscle group at the front of your thigh extends (straightens) the knee, while the hamstring muscles at the back flex (bend) it. Strong, balanced muscles are essential for proper knee function and injury prevention.

Connecting Muscles to Bones

Tendons are strong, fibrous cords that anchor muscles to bones. The quadriceps tendon attaches your thigh muscles to the kneecap, while the patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin. Together, these tendons transmit the force needed to straighten your leg.