Genunchi

Genunchi is the Romanian word for knee. The knee is a complex hinge joint in the leg, located between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). It is one of the largest and most frequently used joints in the human body, playing a crucial role in locomotion, including walking, running, jumping, and squatting.

The knee joint is composed of several key structures. The distal end of the femur and the proximal end of the tibia articulate at the tibiofemoral joint. The patella, or kneecap, is a sesamoid bone embedded within the quadriceps tendon that articulates with the patellofemoral groove of the femur. This articulation allows for smooth gliding of the patella during knee extension and flexion.

Four major ligaments stabilize the knee: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which are located within the joint and prevent excessive anterior-posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur, and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), located on the sides of the joint, which prevent excessive varus and valgus stresses.

Menisci, two C-shaped pieces of cartilage (medial and lateral), sit between the femur and tibia. They act as shock absorbers and help to distribute load across the joint surface, increasing stability and smooth movement. The knee is also surrounded by muscles, primarily the quadriceps femoris and hamstrings, which control flexion and extension.

Injuries to the genunchi are common due to its weight-bearing function and susceptibility to trauma. These can include ligament sprains or tears (ACL, MCL, etc.), meniscal tears, fractures, and osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition. Rehabilitation following knee injuries often involves physical therapy to restore strength, range of motion, and stability.