Kinematics after tear in the anterior cruciate ligament: dynamic bilateral radiostereometric studies in 11 patients

Abstract

We studied the kinematics of both knees using radiostereometry in 11 patients with unilateral injury of the anterior cruciate ligament and normal contralateral knee. Continuous radiostereometric exposures at a speed of 24 exposures a second were performed, when the patients ascended an 8 cm high platform. The tibial center was more dorsally displaced and the tibia more externally rotated on the injured side. This increasing external tibial rotation was associated with increased anterior displacement of the lateral femoral condyle. The latter also displayed less anterior-posterior translations during continuous extension. The anterior-posterior translation of the medial condyle was about the same as on the uninjured side. Changes in the kinematics of the knee joint due to rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament can result in an abnormal joint load, which may increase the risk of damage to the cartilage and the menisci.