Normal Knee Joint

A normal knee feels like a hinge joint with a complex arc, which allows both sideways and twisting movements. It consists of three bones: patella (kneecap), femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). The joint is held together by ligaments (bands) and is supported by muscles. The ends of the bones are covered with very smooth articular cartilage that enables them to move easily over each other. Between the femur and tibia are two spacer-like structures known as meniscus or cartilage.