Description of an evaluation system for knee kinematics in ligament lesions, by means of optical tracking and 3D tomography Descrição de sistema de avaliação da cinemática do joelho em lesões ligamentares a partir de rastreamento óptico e tomografia 3D

Abstract

© 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia.Objective: To describe and demonstrate the viability of a method for evaluating knee kinematics, by means of a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, before and after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.Methods: This study was conducted on a knee from a cadaver, in a mechanical pivot-shift simulator, with evaluations using optical tracking, and also using computed tomography.Results: This study demonstrated the viability of a protocol for measuring the rotation and translation of the knee, using reproducible and objective tools (error < 0.2 mm). The mechanized provocation system of the pivot-shift test was independent of the examiner and always allowed the same angular velocity and traction of 20 N throughout the movement.Conclusion: The clinical relevance of this method lies in making inferences about the in vivo behavior of a knee with an ACL injury and providing greater methodological quality in future studies for measuring surgical techniques with grafts in relatively close positions.