Movements of the knee joint

and muscles producing them.

Locking and unlocking of the
knee .
MEHWISH J
65
 Movements
• The following movements occur at the knee joint
1.Flexion
2.Extension
3.Medial rotation
4.Lateral rotation
Flexion and extension are main movements
Medial and lateral rotation are
conjunct(combined) movements
 Flexion and Extension
• These movements occur in the upper
meniscofemoral compartment of the joint , that is,
above the menisci.
• these movements occur in transverse axis which
is not fixed i.e., during extension this axis moves
forward and upwards and during flexion it moves
backwards and downwards.
• While these movements occur conjunct rotations
also occur (namely, medial rotation of femur
during last 30 degrees of extension; and lateral
rotation of femur during last stage of flexion)
 Medial and lateral rotation
• These movements take place in the lower
meniscofemoral compartment of the joint, that is, below
the menisci.
• These rotations occur along with flexion and extension to
be called as conjunct rotations and can occur
independently when knee is flexed.
Transverse and vertical axis
Muscles causing movements of
the knee.
 Locking of the knee
When the foot is on the ground
Locking is the medial rotation of femur on tibia during the
terminal phase (30 degree) of extension.
When the knee is locked it becomes rigid and all the ligaments
are taut
Also called SCREW HOME MECHANISM
Muscle producing the movement is QUADRICEPS FEMORIS
 Unlocking of the knee
When the foot is on the ground
Unlocking is the lateral rotation of femur on tibia during terminal
stage of flexion.
The unlocked knee can be further flexed by hamstring muscles.
Muscle producing the movement is POPLITEUS
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