tibiofemoralleddet

The tibiofemoralleddet, commonly called the tibiofemoral joint or simply the knee joint, is the primary articulation between the distal end of the femur and the proximal end of the tibia. It is a large, weight-bearing synovial hinge joint capable of flexion and extension, with a limited amount of rotation when the knee is flexed. The joint is complemented by the patellofemoral articulation, which involves the patella sliding over the femur during movement.

The articular surfaces include the femoral condyles and the tibial plateau, which are cushioned and deepened by the medial and lateral menisci. The space between the femur and tibia is lined by a synovial membrane and enclosed by a fibrous joint capsule. Stabilization is provided by the cruciate ligaments inside the capsule—the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)—as well as the collateral ligaments on each side, the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Additional support comes from surrounding muscles, tendon insertions, and the knee joint’s capsule, retinacula, and bursae.

Vascular supply is mainly from the genicular arteries, and sensory innervation arises from articular branches of the femoral, tibial, and common peroneal nerves. Clinically, the tibiofemoralleddet is prone to injuries such as ACL or meniscal tears, collateral ligament sprains, and degenerative changes like osteoarthritis. Diagnosis relies on physical examination, imaging (X-ray and MRI), and functional assessment.