The Knee

The Compartments of the Knee

The knee is a complex hinge joint, whose movements are controlled by ligaments, by the surface contours of the knuckles of the joint, by the shape of the shock-absorbing or meniscal cartilages which cup the knuckles and help them slide, glide or rotate upon each other, and by the tendons and muscles around the joint.

It has three main compartments; the patellofemoral compartment is the joint between the kneecap and the end of the femur or thigh bone, and the tibiofemoral compartments, medial and lateral, which constitute the main weight bearing component of the knee joint between the thigh and shin bones.