A reproducible method for studying three-dimensional knee kinematics

Abstract

The methods used in movement analysis often rely on the definition of joint coordinate systems permitting three-dimensional (3D) kinematics. The first aim of this research project was to present a functional and postural method (FP method) to define a bone-embedded anatomical frame (BAF) on the femur and tibia, and, subsequently, a knee joint coordinate system. The repeatability of the proposed method was also assessed. Using FP method to define the BAFs, 4 kinematic parameters (flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, tibial internal/external rotation, and antero-posterior translation) were computed for 15 subjects walking on a treadmill. The repeatability for all four kinematic parameters was then assessed, using intra- and inter-observer settings. After pooling the results for all observers, the mean repeatability value ranged between 0.4 degrees and 0.8 degrees for rotation angles and between 0.8 and 2.2 mm for translation.