Joint Mechanics

04 Jun Joint Mechanics

Orthopedist in Nassau County

Each body part has different joint functions for movement. By understanding the anatomy of each of these you can better understand how normal joint function gets disrupted and how our orthopedist in Nassau County can help.

Knee Joint

The knee joint is a hinge joint, which allows the leg to both extend and bend. This joint uses ligaments for stability which includes:

• The Anterior Cruciate Ligament – This hinders the femur from sliding back onto the tibia and the tibia from sliding forward onto the femur.
• The Posterior Cruciate Ligament – This prevents the femur from sliding forward onto the tibia and the tibia from sliding back onto the femur.
• The Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligaments – This prevents the femur from sliding side to side.

Because the knee joint withstands most of your body weight, most knee disruption is caused by wear and tear on these muscles over time. This causes degeneration which damages or irritates the bones and tendons. Our orthopedist in Nassau County can help you no matter what may be causing your pain.

Ankle Joint

The ankle joint allows for the up and down movement of your foot and is made up of:

• The Subtalar Joints – This joint is below the ankle joint and allows for your foot to move side to side.
• Articular Cartilage – This cartilage is thin, strong, and flexible and it covers the bones surfaces to provide a cushion and allows for smooth joint movement.

The cartilage in the ankle joint is denser than other joint structures such as the knee or hip. This makes degeneration in this joint less likely than other joints. Common disruption in the ankle joint is caused by the previous injury, usually due to physical activity, or an underlying condition. With help from an orthopedist in Nassau County, we can help you understand the cause of your pain.

Hip Joint

The hip joint functions as a ball-and-socket joint that is considered extremely strong and flexible. The hip joint is made up of the following components that allow for flexibility and movement:

• Hip articular cartilage – This helps to decrease the friction by creating a smooth gliding motion between the bones.
• Hip Ligaments and Tendons – These are tissues that hold the bones and muscles together.
• Synovial Membrane and Fluid – Lubricates the hip joint to provide ease of movement.

Common disruptions in this joint are caused by the normal wear and tear on the cartilage.

Shoulder Joint

The shoulder joint is made up of three main joints which contribute to its function:

• The Glenohumeral Joint – This is the main joint in the shoulder and like the hip it also has a ball-and-socket construction to allow for circular movement in the arm.
• The Acromioclavicular Joint – This joint allows for a range of motion to raise the arm over the head.
• The Sternoclavicular Joint – This joint is located where the clavicle meets the sternum at the top of the chest.

Like the other joints, the shoulder has a strong piece of articular cartilage which allows for smooth bone movement. This cartilage is thinner in comparison to the hip and knee joints making an injury a more common disruption to the joint.

Our orthopedist in Nassau County can help you recognize and understand your joint pain. Whether you’ve suffered from a specific trauma or suffer from a joint disease caused by degeneration we offer many services that can help you. Make an appointment with us today to get the help you need.