1. Health

The Cause of Knee Pain: Step-By-Step

By , About.com Guide

Updated September 19, 2012

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1 of 5

Step 1 of 5 - Normal Joint (Knee)
The structure of a joint

The structure of a joint

Photo © ADAM

The knee is a hinge joint formed by two bones (femur and tibia) and is held together by four ligaments (medial collateral ligament, lateral collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament).

The patella, or knee cap, also is part of the normal knee anatomy. The ends of the femur and tibia and underside of the patella are covered by articular cartilage, a slippery surface which allows friction-free, painfree movement.

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