In Vivo Elongation Patterns of the Collateral Ligaments in Healthy Knees During Functional Activities

Background: Improved knowledge of in vivo function the collateral ligaments is essential for enhancing rehabilitation and guiding surgical reconstruction as well soft-tissue balancing total knee arthroplasty. The aim this study was to quantify elongation patterns throughout complete cycles functional activities. Methods: Knee kinematics were measured using radiographic images captured with a mobile fluoroscope while healthy subjects performed level walking, downhill stair descent. registered tibiofemoral then used drive subject-specific multibody models track ligament elongation. Results: medial varied distinctly among its bundles, ranging from lengthening anterior fibers shortening posterior bundle increases flexion angle. lateral considerably subjects. It showed an average 4% increasing until 60% 70% gait cycle, recovered during terminal-swing phase reaching reference length (defined at heel strike). Conclusions: observed nonuniform bundles suggests that single-bundle techniques may not fully restore function. Moreover, indicate greater varus than valgus laxity loaded knee. Clinical Relevance: Through providing key about activities, offers evidence benchmarking