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For people with knee pain or mobility limitations, learning the anatomy of the knee is a key step in understanding the cause of the problem and the treatment options that are available. When a patient visits Dr. Ira Guttentag at Florida Medical Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine, the doctor will perform a thorough evaluation of the person’s knee and explain the cause of any problem he detects. During this process, it can help a patient to understand the functions that the various elements of the knee serve:
- Bones – The four bones that make up the knee – the tibia, femur, patella, and fibula – support the weight of the body and allow forces to transfer between the hip and foot, so the leg can move smoothly and efficiently.
- Cartilage – Articular cartilage lines the joint, reducing friction and allowing bones to move smoothly. The meniscus is a special kind of extra-thick cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the bones.
- Muscles – The quadriceps straighten the knee, the hamstrings control the bending of the knee, and the glutes play a crucial role in maintaining knee position and allowing forces to transfer through the joint.
- Ligaments – These tough, fibrous connective tissues connect bone to bone and do most of the work related to stabilization. The ligaments in the knee are the ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL.
- Tendons – These soft tissues connect muscle to bone. Overuse or excessive stretching of them can cause tendonitis.
- Bursae – There are roughly 14 bursa sacs around the knee. They are fluid-filled sacs that minimize friction between bones and soft tissues.
Individuals who are experiencing knee problems can schedule an appointment with Dr. Guttentag by contacting Florida Medical Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine. He will be pleased to answer any questions you have about your condition and the anatomy of the knee and recommend a plan for treatment
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