Question 1

Which of the following ligaments counters a valgus force in the frontal plane at the knee joint?

Accepted Answer

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is on the medial side of the knee joint and provides stability against a valgus force (force pushing the knee inward in the frontal plane). The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) provides stability against a varus force (force pushing the knee outward in the frontal plane). The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) provide stability against anterior and posterior translation of the tibia with respect to the femur, respectively.

Question 2

Which of the following ligaments counters a varus force in the frontal plane at the knee joint?

Accepted Answer

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is responsible for resisting varus forces at the knee, which are forces pushing the knee inward from the lateral side.

Question 3

What are the arthrokinematics at the knee joint during the motion of moving from sitting to standing?

Accepted Answer

When moving from sitting to standing, the femoral condyles roll anteriorly on the tibial plateau but slide posteriorly to maintain contact with the tibia, which is a characteristic movement pattern in the knee joint during extension.

Question 4

Which of the following statements BEST describes the function of the patella at the knee?

Accepted Answer

The patella increases the moment arm of the quadriceps muscles, most effectively from 60° to 30° of knee extension, enhancing the leverage and force production of the quadriceps.

Question 5

Which of the following angles between the femur and the tibia at the lateral aspect denotes excessive genu valgus?

Accepted Answer

Genu valgus is characterized by an angle between the femur and tibia that is less than 165°-170°, and in severe cases, can even be less than 150°. Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it denotes excessive genu valgus.

Question 6

-Which of the following knee postures is depicted in the image?

Accepted Answer

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-Which of the following knee postures is...

Question 7

Which of the following functional activities requires the LEAST amount of knee flexion range of motion?

Accepted Answer

Walking on level surfaces typically requires a smaller range of motion at the knee compared to ascending and descending stairs or moving from sitting to standing.

Question 8

In which of the following positions is the patella in maximal contact with the intercondylar femoral groove?

Accepted Answer

The patella is in maximal contact with the intercondylar femoral groove between 90° and 60° of knee flexion, which provides stability and distributes compressive forces.

Question 9

Which of the following factors is MOST LIKELY to result in excessive lateral tracking of the patella?

Accepted Answer

Excessive lateral tracking of the patella is most likely to result from a shortened iliotibial band and lateral patellar retinaculum, as well as lax medial collateral ligaments. This can cause the patella to be pulled too far laterally, leading to instability and possible pain or injury. Increased medial longitudinal foot arches (A) are more likely to contribute to excessive pronation, which may affect patellar tracking but not necessarily cause excessive lateral tracking. Shortened pes anserine tendons and medial patellar retinaculum, as well as lax collateral ligaments (B), may contribute to medial patellar instability but not necessarily excessive lateral tracking. The presence of a deep intercondylar groove (C) could actually help to guide the patella in a more stable track, rather than leading to excessive lateral tracking.

Question 10

In which direction does the knee meniscus move during lateral rotation at the knee?

Accepted Answer

During lateral rotation of the knee, the lateral meniscus moves anteriorly while the medial meniscus moves posteriorly. This is due to the differing attachments and mobility of the menisci with the tibia and femur.

Question 11

Which of the following angles between the femur and the tibia at the lateral aspect denotes excessive genu varum?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Which of the following definitions BEST describes the Q angle at the knee?

Accepted Answer

The Q angle is defined as the angle formed by a line drawn from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the midpoint of the patella and a second line drawn from the tibial tuberosity to the midpoint of the patella. It is typically 13°-15° in a normal alignment.

Question 13

What is the screw-home mechanism that occurs at the knee when moving from sitting to standing?

Accepted Answer

The screw-home mechanism at the knee occurs when the femur medially rotates during the last 20-30 degrees of extension, locking the knee joint. This allows the body to stand upright with less effort and allows the knee to act as a stable joint to support the weight of the body.

Question 14

Which of the following ligaments counters excessive anterior slide of the tibia on the femur during open-chain terminal knee extension?

Accepted Answer

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is crucial for countering excessive anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur, especially during movements like open-chain terminal knee extension.

Question 15

Which of the following muscles comprise the pes anserinus tendons?

Accepted Answer

The pes anserinus tendons are located on the medial aspect of the knee and are formed by the conjoined tendons of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles. Therefore, the correct answer is D, which includes all three of these muscles. The other options do not include all three of these muscles.

Question 16

In which of the following positions is the greatest amount of axial rotation of the knee?

Accepted Answer

The greatest amount of axial rotation of the knee occurs at 90° of knee flexion due to the loosening of the collateral ligaments, allowing more rotational movement.

Question 17

Which of the following ligaments counters excessive posterior slide of the tibia on the femur during open-chain terminal knee flexion?

Accepted Answer

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) functions as the primary restraint against excessive posterior slide of the tibia on the femur during open-chain terminal knee flexion.

Question 18

What is the screw-home mechanism that occurs as the knee begins open-chain flexion?

Accepted Answer

During the beginning of open-chain flexion, the tibia must first medially rotate to unlock the knee joint. This is known as the screw-home mechanism.

Question 19

Which of the following results is MOST LIKELY to occur in the knee joint following surgical removal of the knee joint menisci?

Accepted Answer

The removal of the menisci can lead to increased gliding of the femoral surface on the tibia due to the loss of the stabilizing and cushioning effect that the menisci provide.

Question 20

What is the screw-home mechanism that occurs during the last 20°-30° of open-chain knee extension?

Accepted Answer

The screw-home mechanism involves the tibia laterally rotating on the femur during the last 20°-30° of open-chain knee extension, allowing for increased stability of the knee joint at full extension.

Quiz 12: Structure and Function of the Knee