Structure and Function of the Knee Joint

Blood Supply and Nerve Innervation of the Knee Joint

The knee joint is a pivotal structure that supports mobility and bears significant weight. Understanding its blood supply and nerve innervation is crucial for diagnosing and treating various knee-related conditions.

Blood Supply

The knee joint receives its blood supply primarily from the genicular arteries, which are branches of the popliteal artery. These include:

• Superior medial genicular artery
• Superior lateral genicular artery
• Inferior medial genicular artery
• Inferior lateral genicular artery
• Middle genicular artery

These arteries form an extensive anastomotic network around the knee, ensuring continuous perfusion even in cases of arterial occlusion.

Nerve Innervation

The knee joint is innervated by sensory and motor nerves primarily derived from the lumbar and sacral plexuses. Key nerves include:

• Femoral nerve – Provides sensation to the anterior knee
• Obturator nerve – Innervates medial structures
• Sciatic nerve – Contributes branches for posterior innervation
• Tibial and common peroneal nerves – Responsible for motor control and pain perception

These nerves play a vital role in knee stability, proprioception, and pain signaling.

Clinical Relevance

Compromised blood supply can lead to conditions like avascular necrosis, while nerve damage can result in neuropathy or motor dysfunction. Understanding these anatomical structures helps in surgical planning, pain management, and rehabilitation strategies.