R. van Enschot-van Dijk

Roentgen stereophotogrammetric methods for the evaluation of the three dimensional kinematic behaviour and cruciate ligament length patterns of the human knee joint

Using high-accuracy roentgen stereophotogrammetry, some aspects of the three dimensional kinematics of two amputated knee joints have been studied. Instant axes of rotation, as well as cruciate ligament length patterns, were evaluated as function of the flexion-extension angle. As demonstrated by the results, this method of investigation proved to be most effective, in its accuracy as well as in its flexibility aspects.

Kinematics of the Human Knee Joint

The human knee joint is probably one of the most complicated joint structures from a kinematics point of view, and certainly more complex than any technical joint design known. Viewed as a mechanical system it consists of two relatively irregular bearing surfaces, the tibial and femoral condyles, covered with articular cartilage. Interposed between these relatively rigid structures are the compliant menisci. The bones are connected by collageneous fibers organised in a capsule and several ligaments, of which the two cruciate ligaments and the two collateral ligaments are the most important (Figs. 1 and 2).