Knee Anatomy

Knee Anatomy Overview

The knee is a sophisticated pivotal hinge joint responsible for connecting the bones in the lower and upper leg. Knee anatomy is composed of a number of ligaments, cartilage, muscles and tendons, as well as the connection of three major bones. The complex structure allows the knee joint to flex, extend, twist and handle an extremely large amount of stress during normal everyday activities and sports activities. Orthopedic knee specialist in the Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado area, Dr. Matthew Provencher is highly experienced in treating a variety of knee injuries associated with athletes and active individuals at all levels.

Anatomy of the Knee

As the largest joint in the human body, the knee is composed of four main structures- bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.

Three bones connect to form the knee joint, including:

The thighbone (femur)
The shinbone (tibia)
The kneecap (patella)

Another important structure connected to knee anatomy and the three bones is articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is a smooth, hard substance responsible for decreasing knee friction and allowing the bones to glide smoothly against each other as the knee joint bends and straightens. Two wedge-shaped pieces of meniscal cartilage, known as menisci, serve as “shock absorbers” between the femur and tibia. The meniscal cartilage helps to decrease the load on the articular cartilage and prevents development of knee arthritis.

Ligaments act like strong ropes to hold the bones together and provide stability to the knee joint. These ligaments include:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – The ACL travels from the anterior of the tibia to the posterior of the femur and prevents the tibia from moving forward in relation to the femur. The ACL is one of the most important structures in the knee and is most commonly injured in movements that require twisting.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) – The PCL travels from the posterior of the tibia to the anterior of the femur and wraps around the ACL, preventing the tibia from moving backwards on the knee. It is the largest and strongest ligament in the knee joint and is not frequently injured.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) – The MCL is a band that runs between the inner surfaces of the tibia and femur and prevents the knee from collapsing inwards.
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) – The LCL is located on the outer surface of the femur and fibula on the outside of the knee joint. The LCL resists impact from the knee’s inner surface and prevents the knee from collapsing outwards.

The cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) are responsible for controlling the back and forth motion of the knee joint, while the collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL) are responsible for controlling the sideways motion of the knee.

The remaining structures that compose knee anatomy are the tendons and muscles. The quadriceps tendon connects the front thigh muscles to the patella. The patellar tendon stretches from the patella to the shinbone. Both muscles allow the knee joint to extend and become straight.

Since the knee joint is such as complex joint in the human body, it is prone to injuries from a fall, sports collision, overuse, a degenerative condition or automobile accident. Common knee injuries include:

For more information on knee anatomy, or for additional resources on causes of knee joint injuries, please contact the Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado orthopedic office of knee specialist Dr. Matthew Provencher.

Matthew Provencher, MD | Orthopedic Knee & Shoulder Surgeon | Vail Aspen Denver Colorado Springs, CO

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Matthew Provencher, MD

66 reviews

James Wilson

Oct 11, 2024

by James Wilson on Matthew Provencher, MD

Senior Electronics development engineer

Wow the Steadman clinic and Doctor Matthew Provencher now that;s a super combination of expertise, experience, empathy, skill and a cherry picked staff with truly outstanding nurses and professional support staff. I was scared of shoulder surgery until I read Dr. Provencher BIO and talked to him. If your considering shoulder replacement surgery this is the place. In three weeks out now and people are amazed at my ability of movement and flexibility I have now. I love the Steadman Clinic and Dr. Matthew Provencher, He's Superman

Anne Miller

Jun 18, 2024

by Anne Miller on Matthew Provencher, MD

Grateful to Dr Provencher and his team

I am a 75-year old, active, athletic woman. Over the last few years, both of my shoulders reached a point where severe arthritis was affecting even day to day tasks. It started with one shoulder in 2021 and recently the second reverse shoulder replacement – both with Dr Provencher. Before my first one, I had received various recommendations including adjusting my lifestyle. Dr Provencher looked at my MRI and x-ray and asked what I enjoy doing and was quick to let me know I could be back to my active lifestyle soon – and he was right. He reads images faster and more accurately than any doctor I have consulted. He has many options available and if you need surgery he is the one to do it. Surgery is quick and the recovery is much easier than I anticipated. I am 10 days out from my second reverse shoulder and have no pain and gaining mobility already! My case for both shoulders was a bit more complicated due to bone integrity, severe arthritis and bicep tears. Dr Provencher has dealt innovatively with both complications and makes it seem straightforward although I know it was not. He is not only one an extraordinary surgeon, but also, a caring human being who takes the time with his patients and makes himself available if questions arise. His team is second to none – Maddy, Madison, Sam, Scott, Jasmin and in pre-op, Layla and Kevin – in terms of commitment, competence, compassion and responsiveness. Both times I have felt cared for and that resolving my situation mattered to him. Wherever you live, Dr Provencher and his team are the ones to trust. There is no need to live a compromised life!

Gene reiling

Jul 21, 2023

by Gene reiling on Matthew Provencher, MD

Success

If you are planning to see Dr Provencher ,do not hesitate ,do it. In 2018 Dr Provencher replaced my LCL. I had no complications and very little pain. I did my physical therapy as prescribed. I was able to ski 30 plus days the winter of 2019-2020. Before seeing dr Provencher I had spent a years time trying to solve my problem locally. I saw a pain specialist, orthopedic urgent care and a orthopedic surgeon. All had access to an mri done locally. It was also read by local radiologist. Pain dr gave injections as did orthopedic urgent care. No relief from pain. Orthopedic surgeon told me about arthritis, meniscus needing cleaning up and general deterioration from age. Told me to take ibuprofen for pain. At that time I reached out to Steadman Clinic. By luck of the draw I was assigned Dr Provencher. I took with me the mri that had been done locally and viewed by 3 local Drs and 1 PA. It took Dr Provencher less than a minute to tell me my problem was my LCL after viewing my mri. He told me my options . I selected surgery as I wanted to continue an active life style. It was a complete success!!

Knee | Shoulder | Joint Preservation | Arthroplasty

Knee Anatomy Overview

Anatomy of the Knee

Three bones connect to form the knee joint, including:

Ligaments act like strong ropes to hold the bones together and provide stability to the knee joint. These ligaments include:

Since the knee joint is such as complex joint in the human body, it is prone to injuries from a fall, sports collision, overuse, a degenerative condition or automobile accident. Common knee injuries include:

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