knee
(nē 
)
- The articulations formed by the distal femur, proximal tibia, and the patella.
SEE: illus.KNEE INJURIES.
- Any structure shaped like a semiflexed knee. SYN: geniculum.
SEE: under Brodie, Sir Benjamin Collins.
carpet layer's k.Prepatellar bursitis.
game k.Internal derangement of the knee joint, characterized by pain or instability, locking, and weakness. It is usually the result of a torn internal cartilage, a fracture of the tibial spine, or an injury to the collateral or cruciate ligaments.
The knee should be immobilized with a posterior splint.
Arthroscopy and /or magnetic resonance imaging may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
housemaid's k.Prepatellar bursitis.
k. of internal capsule Genu of internal capsule.
jumper's k.An overuse syndrome marked by chronic inflammation and infrapatellar tendonitis, resulting from repetitive jumping or leg extension exercises. The usual treatment is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and phonophoresis.
locked k.A condition in which the leg cannot be extended. It is usually due to displacement of meniscal cartilage or dislocation of the patella.
posterolateral corner k.The ligamentous, capsular, and muscular structures that stabilize the knee against varus, external rotation, and anterior/posterior forces. Disruption of these structures can result in posterolateral rotary instability of the knee.
replacement of k.Orthopedic implantation of a prosthetic knee joint, particularly useful in treating patients with severe disabling arthritis of the knee.
SEE: arthroplasty.
roofer's k.Prepatellar bursitis.
runner's k.Any of several overuse conditions resulting from excessive exercise of the lower extremities. These may involve the extensor mechanism and other musculotendinous insertions. Patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee), patellofemoral dysfunction, iliotibial band syndrome, and pes anserinus tendonitis or bursitis have all been called by this term.
valgus k.A medial alignment of the femur and tibia of less than 180°. SYN: band y leg; bowleg; genu valgum; tibia valga.
SEE: valgus.
varus k.A lateral alignment of the femur and tibia of greater than 195°. SYN: genu varum.
SEE: varus.