MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Knee joint replacement

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Knee joint replacement - series: Normal anatomy

Knee joint replacement - series
Illustrations:

Normal anatomy

Indications

Procedure

Aftercare

The knee is a complex joint, which is made up of the distal end of the femur (the femoral condyles), and the proximal end of the tibia (the tibial plateau). The femoral condyles usually glide smoothly on the tibial plateau, allowing for smooth, painless motion of the lower leg.

Update Date: 7/23/2008

Updated by: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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