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Correlation of patellar tracking pattern with trochlear and retropatellar surface topographies.
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Patellar tracking during knee extension is significantly influenced by the topography of the patellofemoral joint surfaces. This topographic interaction controls medial-lateral translation and tilt, with quadriceps tension also affecting patellar spin.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Knee Joint Mechanics
Background:
- Patellar tracking is crucial for normal knee function.
- Understanding the forces controlling patellar motion is vital for diagnosing and treating knee conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of patellofemoral topographic interaction in controlling patellar "out-of-plane" tracking.
- To determine if passive restraints from surface topography govern patellar displacements during knee extension.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 15 fresh-frozen human knees for biomechanical analysis.
- Measured patellar displacements (medial-lateral translation, spin, tilt) using a six-degree-of-freedom electromechanical goniometer.
- Quantified trochlear and retropatellar surface topographies using a dial-gage arrangement.
Main Results:
- Topographic interaction significantly controlled all measured patellar displacements (medial-lateral translation, spin, tilt).
- Trochlear topography was the dominant factor in controlling patellar medial-lateral translation.
- Quadriceps tension direction also significantly influenced patellar spin, in addition to topography.
Conclusions:
- Passive restraints from patellofemoral surface topography play a significant role in controlling patellar tracking.
- Both trochlear and retropatellar topographies contribute to controlling patellar medial-lateral translation and tilt.
- Patellar spin is influenced by both topographic interaction and active quadriceps muscle forces.