Femorotibial part of knee joint
Pars femorotibialis articulationis genus
- Latin synonym: Articulatio femorotibialis
- Synonym: Femorotibial joint
- Related terms: Femorotibial joint
Definition
The femorotibial part of knee joint (femorotibial joint) is the main articulation of the knee, formed between the distal femur and the proximal tibia.
It is a synovial hinge joint that allows for flexion, extension, and a small degree of rotation and translation, which are essential for normal gait and weight-bearing activities.
The joint consists of medial and lateral compartments, each with distinct articular surfaces and kinematic behaviors: the medial compartment is relatively stable with minimal anteroposterior movement, while the lateral compartment exhibits greater posterior translation during flexion, contributing to tibial internal rotation around a medial axis.
The femorotibial joint is stabilized by the cruciate and collateral ligaments and is covered by articular cartilage and menisci, which distribute load and facilitate smooth movement.
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