Answer this: Ellen is a recreational runner. She averages 20-30 miles per week and has been running for 15 years. She participates in occasional marathons but is mostly motivated to run for cardiovascular, pulmonary, and muscular conditioning. In the past few months, Ellen has noticed a persistent clicking sound in her right knee. For some time, she ignored the clicking and continued to run since she had no pain, loss of motion, or strength. One day, as she was getting ready to run after a warm-up stretch, Ellen felt a pop in her right knee. She could not bear any weight on the knee, felt sharp pain, and was unable to straighten her leg. Her husband drove her to the office of a friend, David, an orthopedic surgeon. After examining Ellen, David ruled out a torn anterior cruciate ligament by doing the drawer test. He suspected a torn articular cartilage or meniscus. Ellen was sent to a radiologist for an MRI of the knee. This test confirmed David’s suspicions and an arthroscopic procedure was performed. Several pieces of torn cartilage were removed from Ellen’s knee. David was pleased to report that all of the ligaments were intact. After recovery of 4 weeks, Ellen resumed her training regimen.
1) Describe the knee joint and the movements associated with this type of joint.
2) What bones make up the knee joint?
3) Name and give the function of the cartilage found in the knee.
4) The knee is a synovial joint. Where is the synovial found and what function does it serve?
5) What caused the clicking sounds in her knee and why couldn’t she straighten her leg or bear weight on it after the “pop”?
6a) What is the function of the cruciate ligaments?
b) Why do most sports-related injuries involve the anterior cruciate ligament?
7) What are the menisci of the knee and what are some of their functions?