The capsule of the knee joint is, in general, thick. However, it is deficient anteriorly and is replaced by the fused tendons of the quadriceps musculature and its expansion (Netter 477/480). In some areas it is reinforced by fibrous extension of tendon crossing the joint:
| - anteriorly: | the ligamentum patella, the medial and lateral patella retinacula, the patella itself as well as an expansion from the iliotibial tract (the superior patella retinaculum).(Netter 480). |
| - posteriorly: | the semimembranous and its extension, the oblique popliteal ligament reinforce the capsule. |
| - medially: | the tibial collateral ligament |
| - laterally: | the iliotibial tract, fibular collateral ligament, expansions from biceps femoris, tendon of popliteus. |
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