Knee joint capsule

Anatomy

The capsule attaches to the margins of the articular surface of the femur.

Posteriorly, the capsule attaches a finger’s breath above the intercondylar ridge of the femur. On the lateral condyle of the femur, it loops up to enclose the pit for the popliteus. Again, it attaches to the articulating surfaces of the tibia. Posteriorly, it attaches below the posterior cruciate ligament. Medially, the capsule blends with the deep fibres of the tibial collateral ligament. Laterally, it is prolonged down the fibula, outside the popliteus tendon, but remains separate from the fibular collateral ligament.

The ligament is deficient anteriorly, and blends with the quadriceps tendon, patella, and patellar ligaments down to the tibial tuberosity.

Functions

The capsule provides static stability to the knee joint.

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