Knee Joint Dysfunction

What is Knee Joint Dysfunction?

The knee joint is a complex structure composed of four bones—the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), fibula (adjacent to the tibia), and patella (kneecap)—along with three distinct joints that play crucial roles in knee function and stability.

1. Tibiofemoral Joint: The tibiofemoral joint serves as the primary weight-bearing component of the knee, where the rounded ends of the femur articulate with the flat surfaces of the tibia. This joint facilitates movements such as flexion (bending), extension (straightening), and rotation of the knee.

2. Tibiofibular Joint: The tibiofibular joint, located between the tibia and fibula, is a synovial joint that provides stability not only to the knee joint but also to the ankle joint. It contributes to maintaining proper alignment and distribution of forces during weight-bearing activities.

3. Patellofemoral Joint: The patellofemoral joint is formed by the interaction between the kneecap (patella) and the distal end of the femur. This joint plays a crucial role in knee extension and provides mechanical advantage to the quadriceps muscles, enhancing knee function during activities like walking, running, and jumping.

Knee Joint Dysfunction encompasses a range of injuries and conditions that disrupt the normal function of the knee joint. These may include traumatic injuries resulting from direct impact, biomechanical issues related to improper alignment or muscle imbalances, hormonal factors affecting joint health, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, or degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis.

Depending on the nature and severity of the dysfunction, it can lead to either hypomobility (reduced movement) or hypermobility (excessive movement) within the knee joint. This altered function not only affects the knee itself but can also impacts the surrounding structures, including muscles, ligaments, and adjacent joints.

Common symptoms of knee joint dysfunction include pain localised in and around the kneecap (patellofemoral pain), reduced range of motion, swelling, instability, and difficulty performing activities that require bending, squatting, or bearing weight on the affected knee.

Early recognition and appropriate treatment are essential in minimising pain, restoring function, and optimising long-term joint health and mobility.

If you are suffering from Knee Joint Dysfunction, we have a team who is ready to help you and get you on the road to recovery. Book an appointment with Precision Health today! Call us on (02) 9639 7337 or book online.

Solis-Hernández JL, Rojano-Mejía D, Marmolejo-Mendoza M. Knee dysfunction in the general population and associated factors. Cirugía y Cirujanos (English Edition). 2016 May 1;84(3):208-12

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