Healthy Life: Knee Flexion Exercises (636-2)

Healthy Life: Knee Flexion Exercises

蘇鎮邦 (Christopher So)：
舒整物理治療師 (Manipulative Physiotherapist) 人類工程師 (Ergonomist)

The knee joint is made up by four bones into three joints with complicated constructions. The Femur and Patella form the Patellofemoral joint. The Femur and Tibia form the Tibiofemoral joint. The Fibula and Tibia form the Tibiofibular joint. In between the femur and tibia, there are the Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments which function to stabilize the forward and backward movements of the knee joint, especially during stair climbing and stop and start activities. If they are torn, particularly the Anterior Cruciate, then many vigorous activities will become impossible because of the instability and pain. Also, there are the medial and lateral meniscus which function as shock absorbers and increase the congruency between the ends of the femur and tibia. The medial meniscus is blended with fibres from the medial collateral ligaments. Therefore, any injury to the medial collateral ligament will very likely cause injury to the medial meniscus. The lateral collateral ligament has no attachments to the lateral collateral ligament. Clinically, the lateral collateral ligament constitutes only 10-20% of knee injuries whereas the medial collateral ligament constitutes 80-90%. Moreover, the weight or pressure on the medial side of the knee is normally more than the lateral side because of the structural formation. The weight bearing function is taken up by the tibia and none by the fibula. Medial knee pain is more prevalent than lateral knee pain.

Anatomy of the Knee

Although the knee joint is complicated, there are a few basic exercises. Certainly, there are more sophisticated exercises available. Special equipment and instructions must be given by professionals such as physiotherapist.

Knee flexion is very important. We need at least 90 degrees of flexion to be functional in the sitting position. Any vigorous sports will require full squatting.

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Knee Flexion Exercises

The first exercise is non-weight bearing free active flexion by the patient.

The second exercise is passive flexion by the patient or physiotherapist as necessary.

The third exercise is a weight bearing full squat exercise if possible or to be confirmed by physiotherapist.