Even though the analogy to a hinge is often made, the knee joint is much more than a simple hinge. The knee is a complex machine made up of the following major structures: bones, muscles, ligaments, cartilages, and tendons. There is also a complex and elaborate network of nerves and vessels that runs throughout the knee. The knee is the largest joint in the body and sometimes has to bear up to four times the weight of the person’s body. The motions that the knee is capable of consist of bending (flexion) and straightening (extension), with a limited degree of rotation and sliding.

Public Information - Play It Safe, Sports

• Play It Safe Sports

The following Fact Sheets on Sports Injuries are available.

• The Foot and Ankle
• Heat Injury
• The Knee
• The Shoulder
• Sprains and Strains
• Stress Fractures

Play It Safe Fact Sheets

• Play It Safe
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Gymnastics
• Hockey
• Running
• Skiing
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Volleyball

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Valley Oak Orthopaedics
530-757-3700     800-757-3720     fax 530-756-6907
2031 Anderson Road, Suite A
Davis, California 95616-0699

our satellite office
800-757-3720
600 Nut Tree, Suite 230
Vacaville, California 95687