EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MORPHOLOGY AND FUNCTION OF THE HUMAN KNEE JOINT

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Abstract
The relationship between the morphology and function of the human knee joint was described. The point about which lock rotation of the femur rotates lies between both internal collateral ligaments. The radius of curvature of rotation is equal to the radius of curvature of the anterior articulating segment of the medial femoral condyle. The amount of rotation is determined primarily by the skeletal structure and secondarily by the soft tissue of the knee joint. Tracings of the femoral condyles showed both an anterior and posterior toe-in. The anterior end of the articulating surface of the medial femoral condyle curves toward the lateral condyle. This segment of the medial condyle is used in lock rotation. Because the cruciate ligaments do not cross each other and because of their function, they should be designated as the anterior and posterior intra-articular collateral ligaments. They help to release lock rotation with the aid of the popliteus muscle. The meniscii move with the femoral condyles. The meniscii which increase the contact surface of both the medial and lateral femoral condyles do not bear the weight of the body. The plica-synovalis is a rest of an embryological septum separating the medial side from the lateral side of the knee joint, indicating the origin of the knee to be two separate compartments which still may be present in some adults.