Information for Patients |
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Anatomy of the Knee |
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Arthritis of the Knee |
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Uni-Compartmental Knee Replacement |
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Procedure Description |
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Post-Operative Protocol |
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Returning Home |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
The three bones that comprise the knee joint are the femur (thighbone), the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). The knee may be described as a modified hinge joint, similar to the hinge on a door. However, the knee not only bends back and forth like a hinge, it has a complex rotational component that occurs with flexion and extension of the knee. The knee is a major weight-bearing joint that is held together by muscles, ligaments, and other important soft tissues. Cartilage is the material inside the joint that provides shock absorption to the knee during weight-bearing activities such as walking or stair climbing. The knee can be divided into three compartments: the medial compartment, the lateral compartment, and the patello-femoral compartment.
