The Development of the Knee

Abstract

The knees of most specimens are in a position of flexion when studied. This position must be remembered when viewing the sections which were done in different planes in order to study all joint components. At 6 weeks, stage 17, femur, tibia, and fibula start to chondrify (Fig. 13.1); 1 week later (stage 19) the chondrification of the femoral condyles and tibia and fibula is well advanced (Fig. 13.2). Vascular canals are starting to invade the patella, femur, and tibia around the 12th week (Fig. 13.8). A tremendous progression is noted at 14 weeks. At this stage enchondral ossification of femur and tibia has reached the metaphyseal areas (Fig. 13.10a, b). Formation of columns of chondrocytes is seen at 18 weeks (Fig. 13.14).