Knee joint

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A knee joint is a complex, large synovial joint that includes the two condylar articulations of the tibiofemoral joint and the articulation of the patellofemoral joint. Although the knee behaves mainly as a hinge joint, some rotation is essential for locomotion. The articulating surfaces of the tibiofemoral joint (around which most movement takes place) are deepened by the menisci. The joint cavity is enclosed by a joint capsule only on the lateral and posterior aspects. Several capsular ligaments help to prevent displacement of the joint surfaces; two collateral ligaments, and the intracapsular anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.