Tibiofemoral joint

The tibiofemoral joint is a modified hinge synovial joint between the distal femur and the proximal tibia.

Summary

articulation: modified hinge joint between the medial and lateral condyles of the femur and the tibial condyles
joint: knee
ligaments: transverse ligament of the knee, medial and lateral menisci, anterior and posterior cruciate, arcuate and oblique popliteal, coronary, and posterior meniscofemoral, popliteal, and medial and lateral collateral ligaments
movements: knee flexion, extension, and internal and external rotation (during knee flexion)
blood supply: branches of femoral, popliteal, and circumflex fibular arteries, and posterior recurrent branches of posterior tibial artery
innervation: branches of femoral, obturator, common fibular, tibial, and saphenous nerves

Gross anatomy

Articulation

The tibiofemoral joint is a hinge synovial joint that joins the distal femur to the proximal tibia.

The articulation occurs between the medial and lateral femoral condyles and the tibial condyles.

The medial and lateral menisci increase the depth and stability, and compressive force bearing and absorption of the joint.

The joint capsule consists of a thin fibrous sheath, which attaches at the distal femur and joins at the proximal tibia, enclosing the synovial fluid.

Muscles

There are a number of different muscles that permit flexion, extension, and internal and external rotation of the knee joint. See: movements of the knee.

Special structures

Bursae

Twelve bursae exist near the tibiofemoral joint. These are located anterior, lateral, medial, and posterior to the tibiofemoral joint, and may communicate or non-communicate with the joint. See: knee bursae.

Blood supply

Branches of the femoral, popliteal, and circumflex fibular arteries, and posterior recurrent branches of posterior tibial artery form a peri-articular genicular anastomosis, which in turn provides blood supply to the tibiofemoral joint.

Innervation

Articular branches of femoral, obturator, common fibular, tibial, and saphenous nerves constitute the nerve supply to the tibiofemoral joint.

Related pathology