| knee | 1. In man, the joint in the middle part of the leg. 2. <anatomy> The joint, or region of the joint, between the thigh and leg. In the horse and allied animals, the carpal joint, corresponding to the wrist in man. 3. <mechanics> A piece of timber or metal formed with an angle somewhat in the shape of the human knee when bent. 4. A bending of the knee, as in respect or courtesy. "Give them title, knee, and approbation." (Shak) Knee breeches. See Breeches. <botany> Knee holly, Knee holm a jerk or kick produced by a blow or sudden strain upon the patellar tendon of the knee, which causes a sudden contraction of the quadriceps muscle; one of the so-called tendon reflexes. Knee joint. Knee timber, timber with knees or angles in it. Knee tribute, or Knee worship, tribute paid by kneeling; worship by genuflection. "Knee tribute yet unpaid." Origin: OE. Kne, cneo, As. Cneo, cneow; akin to OS. Knio, kneo, OFries. Kni, G. & D. Knie, OHG. Chniu, chneo, Icel. Kn, Sw. Kna,Dan. Knae, Goth. Kniu, L.genu, Gr, Skr.janu, Cf. Genuflection. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| knee arthroplasty | <orthopaedics, procedure> Surgery involving the replacement of the knee joint with artificial components which reestablishes normal joint function. Indicated in cases of severe knee fracture or degenerative arthritis (DJD) unresponsive to medical therapy. (17 Dec 1997) |
| knee bursitis | A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between moving tissues of the body. There are three major bursae of the knee. Bursitis is usually not infectious, but the bursa can become infected. Treatment of non-infectious bursitis includes rest, ice, and medications for inflammation and pain. Infectious bursitis is treated with antibiotics, aspiration, and surgery. (12 Dec 1998) |
| knee cap dislocation | <orthopaedics> A dislocation of the knee cap most often occurs with the knee cap moving laterally (toward the outer aspect of the leg). Features include a partially flexed knee joint with obvious displacement of the knee cap laterally. Reduction is accomplished with knee joint extension and gently coaxing the knee cap back to the midline. (17 Dec 1997) |
| knee injuries | Injuries to the knee or the knee joint. (12 Dec 1998) |
| knee jerk | The reflex tested by tapping just below the bent knee on the patellar tendon to cause the quadriceps muscle to contract and bring the lower leg forward. It has given rise to the saying: a knee-jerk reaction. Also known medically as the patellar reflex. (12 Dec 1998) |
| knee joint | A compound condylar synovial joint consisting of the joint between the condyles of the femur and the condyles of the tibia, articular menisci (semilunar cartilages) being interposed, and the articulation between femur and patella. Synonym: articulatio genus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| knee phenomenon | A sudden contraction of the anterior muscles of the thigh, caused by a smart tap on the patellar tendon while the leg hangs loosely at a right angle with the thigh. Synonym: knee jerk, knee phenomenon, knee reflex, knee-jerk reflex, patellar tendon reflex, quadriceps reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| knee prosthesis | Replacement for a knee joint. (12 Dec 1998) |
| knee reflex | A sudden contraction of the anterior muscles of the thigh, caused by a smart tap on the patellar tendon while the leg hangs loosely at a right angle with the thigh. Synonym: knee jerk, knee phenomenon, knee reflex, knee-jerk reflex, patellar tendon reflex, quadriceps reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| knee sprain | <orthopaedics> Any injury to one of six different ligaments which stabilise the knee joint. Those ligaments include: medial and lateral collaterals, medial and lateral meniscus and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. Knee sprains are characterised by knee pain, swelling and tenderness with range of motion. Severe sprains may result in a knee joint effusion (blood inside the joint). Completely torn ligaments may require surgical repair to reestablish knee joint stability. (17 Dec 1997) |
| knee-chest position | A prone posture resting on the knees and upper part of the chest, assumed for gynecologic or rectal examination. Synonym: genupectoral position. (05 Mar 2000) |
| knee-deep | 1. Rising to the knees; knee-high; as, water or snow knee-deep. "Grass knee-deep within a month." (Milton) 2. Sunk to the knees; as, men knee-deep in water. "Where knee-deep the trees were standing." (Longfellow) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| knee-elbow position | A prone position resting on the knees and elbows, assumed for gynecologic or rectal examination or operation. Synonym: genucubital position. (05 Mar 2000) |
| knee-jerk reflex | A sudden contraction of the anterior muscles of the thigh, caused by a smart tap on the patellar tendon while the leg hangs loosely at a right angle with the thigh. Synonym: knee jerk, knee phenomenon, knee reflex, knee-jerk reflex, patellar tendon reflex, quadriceps reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |