In vivo knee kinematics during high flexion after a posterior-substituting total knee arthroplasty

Int Orthop. 2010 Apr;34(4):497-503. doi: 10.1007/s00264-009-0777-2. Epub 2009 Apr 22.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate biomechanics of TKA patients during high flexion. Six patients (seven knees) with a posterior-substituting TKA and weight-bearing flexion >130 degrees were included in the study. The six degree-of-freedom kinematics, tibiofemoral contact, and cam-post contact were measured during a deep knee bend using dual-plane fluoroscopy. The patients achieved average weight-bearing flexion of 139.5 +/- 4.5 degrees. Posterior femoral translation and internal tibial rotation increased steadily beyond 90 degrees flexion, and a sharp increase in varus rotation was noted at maximum flexion. Initial cam-post engagement was observed at 100.3 +/- 6.7 degrees flexion. Five knees had cam-post disengagement before maximum flexion. Lateral femoral condylar lift-off was found in five out of seven knees at maximum flexion, and medial condylar lift-off was found in one knee. Future studies should investigate if the kinematic characteristics of posterior-substituting TKA knees noted in this study are causative factors of high knee flexion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / methods*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Female
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Joint / physiopathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Range of Motion, Articular*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Weight-Bearing