Knee joint

Looks like

The largest joint in the body, between femur, tibia and kneecap, with two menisci and strong ligaments.

What it does

Bends and straightens the leg and carries body weight with a small twist at full extension that locks it.

Keeping it well

Arthritis, meniscus and ligament tears are common. A knee that swells within hours of an injury usually has a serious tear.

Its parts

• Popliteofibular ligament

Related conditions

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Gout
• Haemophilia & bleeding disorders
• Lyme disease
• Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
• Lymphoedema
• Marfan syndrome & connective tissue disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Restless legs syndrome
• Rheumatic fever & rheumatic heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Varicose veins