Experimental evaluation of 3-dimensional kinematic behavior of the cruciate ligaments

Authors

  • Silvio Antonio Garbelotti Júnior Federal University of São Paulo
  • Osvaldo Pelozo Júnior Federal University of São Paulo
  • Rogério Pedreschi Caldana Federal University of São Paulo; Department Image Diagnostic
  • Amâncio Ramalho Jr Federal University of São Paulo
  • Ricardo Luiz Smith Federal University of São Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322007000500014

Keywords:

Anatomy, Biomechanics, Knee, Fiber bundles, Plastic deformability

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a low-cost and easily reproducible technique for biomechanical studies in cadavers. In this kind of study, the natural effect of loading of the joint and shear forces are not taken into account. The objective is to describe the plastic deformation of the ligaments into 3-dimensional space. METHOD: For 18 intact human cadaver knees, the cruciate ligaments were divided into 3 fiber bundles, the tibial or femoral fixation points were marked, and 2 perpendicular different x-ray exposures were performed, thus obtaining radiographs of spatial projections of the bundle in 3 anatomic planes (frontal, sagittal, and transversal). From the measurements made on the x-ray films, we obtained the average distance between the 2 fixation points of the cruciate ligaments on the tibia and the femur at 4 different flexion angles. RESULTS: The distance between the fixation points of the medial and lateral fiber bundles of the cruciate ligaments did not change significantly during movement. There were, however, significant variations (P < .05) in the distance between the fixation points of the posterior fiber bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament and the anterior fiber bundles of the posterior cruciate ligament. CONCLUSIONS: This technique was efficient for demonstrating the plastic deformability of the cruciate ligaments. The results proceeding from this type of study can assist in the planning of physical rehabilitation programs.

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Published

2007-01-01

Issue

Section

Basic Research

How to Cite

Garbelotti Júnior, S. A., Pelozo Júnior, O., Caldana, R. P., Ramalho Jr, A., & Smith, R. L. (2007). Experimental evaluation of 3-dimensional kinematic behavior of the cruciate ligaments . Clinics, 62(5), 619-626. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322007000500014