3D-Printable Knee Arthrometer: Development and Validation.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common, with diagnosis often relying on subjective orthopedic tests.
• Traditional knee arthrometers improve diagnostic accuracy but are costly and unavailable for widespread clinical use.
• There is a need for accessible and accurate diagnostic tools for ACL injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a cost-effective knee arthrometer using 3D printing technology.
• To create an accessible diagnostic tool for anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
• To assess the usability and practicality of a 3D-printed knee arthrometer.

Main Methods:

• An experimental cross-sectional study was conducted involving the fabrication of a 3D-printed knee arthrometer.
• Face validity was assessed by ten orthopedic professionals evaluating assembly, appearance, and usability.
• Participants completed a questionnaire on their experience with the 3D-printed device.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed knee arthrometer was successfully assembled with a low approximate cost of US$30.
• All participants found the device easy to assemble and use without assistance.
• High agreement was observed regarding the equipment's ease of assembly, appearance, usability, and practicality.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing technology enables the feasible fabrication of an inexpensive and accessible knee arthrometer.
• The developed 3D-printed arthrometer offers a practical solution for improving ACL injury diagnosis.
• This innovation can enhance diagnostic accessibility in clinical practice and training settings.