More than just a simple hinge?

The knee joint complex consists of the articulation between the femur and the tibia (tibio-femoral joint), the gliding articulation of the patella on the femur (patella-femoral joint), and the proximal articulation of the fibula and tibia. Many ligaments and structures guide movement and provide stability. In addition to functioning like a hinge, the tibia can rotate on the femur. Muscular attachments traverse down from the pelvis and hip, and up from the toes and foot.

Why consider the whole chain?

While acute trauma to the knee joint can occur, very often knee pain is the result of dysfunction at the foot or the hip. A full-body approach to assessment and treatment ensures that driving factors, such as weakness or stiffness above or below the knee, are addressed. Even post-operatively, this can be important, as impairments above or below may have lead to chronic micro-trauma.