Genunchilor

Genunchilor is the Romanian word for the knees, the joints that connect the thigh to the lower leg. In humans, the knee comprises three bones—the femur, tibia, and the patella (kneecap)—and is organized into two main articulations: the tibiofemoral joint and the patellofemoral joint. The joint is cushioned by articular cartilage and features two wedge-shaped menisci (medial and lateral) that act as shock absorbers and stabilizers during movement.

Stability and movement are provided by a network of ligaments, a surrounding joint capsule, and surrounding muscles. The major ligaments are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The quadriceps and hamstring muscles power knee motion, with the patellar tendon transmitting force from the quadriceps to the tibia. The knee functions primarily as a hinge joint, enabling flexion and extension and permitting slight rotation when bent.

Functionally, the knees bear body weight and enable locomotion, from walking to running and jumping. Normal range of motion typically allows near full extension to about 130 degrees of flexion, with stability provided by the ligaments and muscular control.

Common conditions affecting genunchilor include osteoarthritis, ligament injuries (such as ACL or MCL tears), meniscal tears, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and bursitis. Diagnosis often involves physical examination and imaging (X-ray or MRI). Treatments range from rest, ice, compression, elevation and physical therapy to bracing or injections, with surgical options including ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair, partial meniscectomy, or total knee replacement when conservative measures are insufficient. Recovery times vary by condition and treatment.