Knee anatomy - #6711

Anonymously

I recently injured my knee, and my doctor explained some details about knee anatomy, but I didn’t fully understand. What are the main structures of the knee, and how do they work together? From what I read, the knee joint is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. But what’s the difference between the ACL, MCL, PCL, and LCL, and how do they affect knee stability? I also wonder how meniscus injuries happen. If someone has a torn meniscus, does it always require surgery, or can physical therapy help? For those who have had knee injuries, what was the recovery process like? Did you need surgery, or were other treatments effective?

Knee anatomy

Knee injury

Acl tear

Meniscus tear

Joint health

Knee ligaments

Orthopedic recovery

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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev

I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.

34 days ago

The knee is a hinge joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The main bones are the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (knee cap). Cartilage provides cushioning, while ligaments stabilize the joint. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) help with forward and backward stability, while the MCL (medial collateral ligament) and LCL (lateral collateral ligament) provide side-to-side stability. All four ligaments work together to prevent excessive movement and protect the knee.

A meniscus injury happens when the cartilage in the knee is torn, often from twisting motions or sudden impacts. Not all tears require surgery; some can heal with physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee. Surgery may be necessary for larger or more complex tears that don’t heal with conservative treatment.

Recovery varies depending on the severity of the injury. For many, rest, physical therapy, and strengthening exercises are effective. Surgery is often reserved for severe cases.

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