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Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis of Healthy Participants
Published on: April 15, 2020
Knee flexion contracture will lead to mechanical overload in both limbs: a simulation study using gait analysis.
Kengo Harato1, Takeo Nagura, Hideo Matsumoto
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan. kharatoh@yahoo.co.jp
The Knee
|September 2, 2008
Summary
Knee flexion contractures greater than 15 degrees cause mechanical overload in both limbs, increasing knee extension moments and adduction moments. Correcting knee contracture is crucial for preventing adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Knee flexion contracture can alter lower limb mechanics.
- Understanding these biomechanical changes is essential for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of simulated knee flexion contracture on knee joint mechanics.
- To analyze effects on both the affected and contralateral limbs during gait.
Main Methods:
- Simulated unilateral knee flexion contractures (0, 15, 30 degrees) using a knee brace in 10 healthy older women.
- Measured net knee extension moments, adduction moments, external forces, and axial loading rates during walking trials.
- Calculated biomechanical parameters for both the contracture and non-contracture limbs.
Main Results:
- Bilateral net knee extension moments increased with greater contracture angles.
- The non-contracture limb showed significantly increased extension and adduction moments with 15 and 30-degree contractures.
- Knee shearing forces (affected limb) and compressive forces (non-affected limb) increased, alongside axial loading rates in the non-affected limb with contractures >15 degrees.
Conclusions:
- Knee flexion contracture exceeding 15 degrees leads to mechanical overload in both limbs.
- Clinical correction of knee flexion contracture is vital to mitigate adverse biomechanical effects and prevent joint damage.
