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CapsuleThe capsule of the knee joint is a fibrous membrane containing areas of thickening that may be referred to as discreet ligaments. The anterior capsule is thin and directly anterior it is replaced by the patellar ligament. Proximally the capsule of the knee joint attaches to the femur approximately three to four finger breadths above the patella. Distally it attaches circumferentially to the tibial margin except where the popliteal tendon enters the joint through the hiatus. Posteriorily the capsule consists of vertical fibres that arise from the condyles and from the walls of the intercondylar fossa of the femur. In this region the capsule is augmented by the fibres of the oblique popliteal ligament, which is derived from the semi-membranous tendon. This broad flat band is attached proximally to the margin of the intercondylar fossa and posterior surface of the femur close to the articular margins of the condyles. The oblique popliteal ligament forms part of the floor of the popliteal fossa and the popliteal artery rests on it (Fig 2.37 page 36 Insall). |
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