Joint Structure and Motions At first glance the knee joint appears to be a relatively simple joint; however, it is one of the more complex joints in the body. Because it is supported and main tained entirely by muscles and ligaments with no bony stability, and because it is frequently exposed to severe stresses and strains, it should be no surprise that it i one of the most frequently injured joints in the body. The knee joint is the largest joint in the body and it is classified as a synovial hinge joint (Fig. 18 The motions possible at the knee are flexion and extension (Fig. 18-2). From 0 degrees of extension there are app- roximately 120 to 135 degrees of flexion. However, unlike the elbow, the knee joint is not a true hinge because it has a rotational component. This rotation is not a free motion but an accessory motion that accom- panies flexion and extension All three types of arthrokinematic motion are used during knee flexion and extension. The convex femoral condyles move on the concave tibial condyles, or the other way around depending upon whether it is an open- or closed-chain activity. The articular surface of the femoral condyles is much greater than that of the tibial condyles. If the femur rolled on the tibia from flex- ion to extension, the femur would roll off the tibia before the motion was complete (Fig. 18-3A). Therefore, the femur must glide posteriorly on the tibia as it rolls into extension (Fig. 18-3B). It should also be noted that the articular surface of the femoral medial condyle is longer than that of the lateral condyle (Fig, 18-4A). As extension occurs, the articular surface of the femoral lat- eral condyle is used up while some articular surface remains on the medial condyle (Fig. 18-4B). Therefore, the medial condyle of the femur must also glide posteri- orly to use all of its articular surface (Fig. 18-4C). It is