Objective:
To describe and demonstrate the viability of a method for evaluating knee kine matics, by means of a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, before and after anterio cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Methods:
This study was conducted on a knee from a cadaver, in a mechanical pivot-shif simulator, with evaluations using optical tracking, and also using computed tomography.
Results:
This study demonstrated the viability of a protocol for measuring the rotation an translation of the knee, using reproducible and objective tools (error<0.2mm). The mech anized provocation system of the pivot-shift test was independent of the examiner an 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 viv behavior of a knee with an ACL injury and providing greater methodological quality in futur studies for measuring surgical techniques with grafts in relatively close positions.
Knee joint; Anterior cruciate ligament; X-ray computed tomography
