knee
(nē )
1. The articulations formed by the distal femur, proximal tibia, and the patella.
KNEE
KNEE INJURIES
2. Any structure shaped like a semiflexed knee.
SYN: SEE: geniculum
Brodie knee
carpet layer's knee
game knee
Internal derangement of the knee joint, characterized by pain or instability, locking, and weakness. It is usually the result of a torn internal cartilage, a fracture of the tibial spine, or an injury to the collateral or cruciate ligaments.
FIRST AID
The knee should be immobilized with a posterior splint.
DIAGNOSIS
Arthroscopy and/or magnetic resonance imaging may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
housemaid's knee
knee of internal capsule
jumper's knee
An overuse syndrome marked by chronic inflammation and infrapatellar tendonitis, resulting from repetitive jumping or leg extension exercises. The usual treatment is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and phonophoresis.
locked knee
A condition in which the leg cannot be extended. It is usually due to displacement of meniscal cartilage or dislocation of the patella.
posterolateral corner knee
The ligamentous, capsular, and muscular structures that stabilize the knee against varus, external rotation, and anterior/posterior forces. Disruption of these structures can result in posterolateral rotary instability of the knee.
replacement of knee
Orthopedic implantation of a prosthetic knee joint, particularly useful in treating patients with severe disabling arthritis of the knee.
SEE: arthroplasty
roofer's knee
runner's knee
Any of several overuse conditions resulting from excessive exercise of the lower extremities. These may involve the extensor mechanism and other musculotendinous insertions. Patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee), patellofemoral dysfunction, iliotibial band syndrome, and pes anserinus tendonitis or bursitis have all been called by this term.
valgus knee
A medial alignment of the femur and tibia of less than 180°.
SYN: SEE: bandy leg; SEE: bowleg; SEE: genu valgum; SEE: tibia valga
SEE: valgus
varus knee
A lateral alignment of the femur and tibia of greater than 195°.
SYN: SEE: genu varum
SEE: varus