Loading and deformation of the cat posterior knee joint capsule in axial and extension rotations

Deformation and loading of the knee posterior joint capsule were studied in the cat, in extension rotations and in axial external (ER) and internal (IR) rotations at full extension. Loads were measured in the ligament along the upper edge of the capsule, using mechanically sensitive neurons that were calibrated as load cells. Strains were measured across the surface of the capsule, by tracking a set of markers attached to its surface. External rotations produced small loads in the cable: with applied moments of up to 0.25 Nm, cable tensions were less than 0.8 mPa. The cable was not loaded by internal rotations. Axial rotations produced predominantly shear strains in the capsule. Extension produced small loads in the ligament and the predominant capsule strain was tensile along the axis of the femur. These results show that the posterior capsule has a small role in resisting extension, a minimal role in providing axial stability in ER, and no such role in IR.