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Body region · Rehab Science Chapter 21

Knee

Indexed — full page in progressℹ Additional explanation

A hinge between the thigh and shin with a kneecap pulley in front; ligaments and menisci keep it stable and cushioned.

Anatomical structures

Tibiofemoral joint

indexed

The main knee hinge between thigh bone and shin bone.

Patellofemoral joint

indexed

Kneecap gliding in the groove of the thigh bone.

Quadriceps

indexed

Four front-of-thigh muscles that straighten the knee.

Menisci

indexed

Two C-shaped fibrocartilage cushions inside the knee.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

indexed

Inner knee ligament resisting forward shin movement and rotation.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)

indexed

Inner knee ligament resisting backward shin movement.

Medial collateral ligament (MCL)

indexed

Inner-side knee ligament.

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)

indexed

Outer-side knee ligament.

Patellar tendon

indexed

Tendon from kneecap to shin (jumper's knee).

Iliotibial (IT) band

indexed

Thick fascial band down the outer thigh to below the knee.

Popliteal region

indexed

The back of the knee containing vessels

Conditions

Rehab protocols

Tests

Scheduled.

Exercises (48)

Ball hamstring curlBanded hip abductionBanded squatBilateral jump to unilateral landingBulgarian split squatCalf mobilizationChair squatClockDecline single-leg eccentric squatDouble-leg (bridge)Double-leg calf raiseGoblet squatHamstring mobilizationHamstring stretch with strapKnee extensionKnee extension isometricsLateral quad mobilizationLateral squat walkLateral step-downLateral step-upPlank with leg lifts and arm reachesQuad isometricsQuad mobilizationReverse lungeShort arc quadSide-bend stretch/lateral flexion stretchSide-lying hip abductionSide-lying (quad stretch)Single-leg bridgeSingle-leg calf raiseSingle-leg deadliftSingle-leg eccentric bench squatSingle-leg hamstring curlSkater jumpsSkater squatSplit squatStanding banded hydrantStanding calf stretchStanding hamstring curlStanding (quad stretch)

Prevention

Keep the phase 3 exercises from this region’s protocols in your routine 2–3× a week, build training load gradually and warm up specifically for your sport. Injury prevention principles →