Maranan, Yvonne R.

September 18, 2019

HUB 44 Professor: Dr. Fonollera

1. Define the bold terms in the text.

Magnetic resonance image (MRI): an image produced using a magnetic field to

align protons in a given body region and then detect the radio-wave signal
produced by the stimulated electrons.

Cruciate ligament: one of the two ligaments in the joint capsule of the knee which
strengthen the joint capsule and aid in preventing displacement of the knee.

Meniscus: the crescent-shaped interarticular fibrocartilage found in certain joints,

especially the lateral and medial menisci of the knee.

Tendons: fibrous connective tissue bands serving for the attachment of muscles to
bones.

Arthroscope: an endoscope used to examine the interior of a joint.

2. How does the anatomy of the knee differ from the anatomy of the elbow?

The knee and elbow are both examples of synovial joints, however, the knee is a
more complex joint than the elbow joint. The elbow has two different types of
articulations, a gliding joint and a hinge joint. These two articulations are enclosed
by a joint capsule and the joint is strengthened by ulnar collateral and radial
collateral ligaments. The knee also has two different types of articulations, a gliding
joint and a condyloid joint. Like the elbow, these articulations are enclosed by a
joint capsule, but the number of ligaments strengthening the knee joint are
increased compared to the elbow. Within the knee, the patellar ligament, the
oblique popliteal, arcuate popliteal, tibial collateral, fibular collateral and
cruciate (anterior and posterior) ligaments all strengthen and support the knee.
Unlike the elbow, fibrocartilaginous menisci are found in the knee. These menisci
(medial and lateral) separate the articulating surfaces of the femur and tibia.

3. How do the cruciate ligaments in the knee aid in maintaining stability of the
joint?

When the knee is extended both of the cruciate ligaments are taut. This helps keep
the knee "locked" to prevent hyperextension. When the knee is flexed, the
posterior cruciate ligament helps prevent posterior slipping movements of the
tibia. At the same time, the anterior cruciate ligament prevents the backsliding of
the femur on the tibia.
4. Why does swelling occur in Emily’s left knee following the injury?

Swelling is a normal reaction of the body to an injury. Hemarthrosis is a condition

where there is blood in the effusion within your joint capsule and indicates either
a ligamentous injury, such as an ACL tear, or a fracture. This is determined by
extracting some fluid from the joint capsule with a needle.

5. Why was Emily kept in the hospital overnight for observation?

Emily was kept in the hospital overnight for observation because of the blow to her
head. By her own admission she was stunned and it took some time for her to
regain her composure following her fall. If she did suffer a blow to the head she
would be at risk for a number of closed brain injuries. In addition, the internal
bleeding into the joint while slight, will result in the development of a thrombus. If
a small piece of the thrombus were to break off it could possibly lodge in a small
blood vessel causing decreased blood flow. If a thrombus were to lodge in a
cerebral blood vessel Emily would be at risk for a stroke.

6. What are the purposes of the rehabilitation exercises Emily is expected to

complete?

The rehabilitation exercises have a number of specific purposes. First, these

exercises should strengthen the muscles of the thigh to help return these muscles
to their presurgical strength. Second, the exercises will help maintain the flexibility
and range of motion in the joint. Failure to maintain joint flexibility would result in a
loss of function at the joint. In addition, if severe enough, contractures may
develop which could require surgical intervention to correct.