The areas of the femoral origin of the cruciate ligaments have approximately the shape of sectors of ellipses, the one for the anterior ligament on the lateral condyle posteroproximally and the one for the posterior ligament on the medial condyle distally. By means of a new technique of dissection, combined with the use of X-rays, the change in distance between the origin and insertion and so the change of tension of single bundles of the ligaments could be analyzed. Only a rather thin bundle in each cruciate ligament is in constant tension: "guiding bundles." The maximal diminution of distance between the origin and insertion for some bundles is 65%. In the anterior cruciate ligament the majority of fibres are taut in extreme extension: "limiting bundles." The same is true in the posterior cruciate ligament in extreme flexion. There are also some fibres, especially in the posterior cruciate ligament, that are taut only in an intermediate position. The geometric analysis of the function of different groups of fibers was performed by a modification of Menschik's concept of a four-bar link.

The capsular ligaments of the human hip joint were submitted to exact morphological analysis, and they proved to be multiple and numerous. We have described various ligamentous systems and their interconnections, and have suggested new terminologies and systematics. The ligaments were subjected to functional analysis by means of measuring strips to determine the positions in which the ligaments are taut. The ligament systems were all found to serve a restrictive function, and various parts of the apparatus restricted all possible movements in the hip joint. Extension is restricted by the medial iliofemoral complex, abduction by the pubofemoral ligament, and adduction by the posterior coxal ligaments and by the superior ischiofemoral ligament. Flexion is restricted by the inferior ischiofemoral ligaments, inward rotation by the superior ischiofemoral ligament, and outward rotation by the lateral iliofemoral complex. Only the ligament of the femoral head is unable to exert a restricting function, despite reaching a state of tension in extreme adduction.

Real time plantar pressure provides information critical to the understanding of gait mechanics and has a wide range of applications. In this study, smart insoles were designed and developed to measure real time foot plantar pressure. Key features of the insoles included cost-effectiveness, good working pressure detection range, wireless data transfer and real-time data analysis. Calibration of the sensing material was done and the resulting accuracy of the insoles was compared to that of a Kistler force plate, achieving an r 2 value of 0.981. Real-time visualization of pressure mapping was incorporated to enable intuitive understanding of relative plantar pressure distribution.

The tibiofibular junction of the South African ostrich (Struthio camelus australis) consists of the Ligg. tibiofibularia caudale, craniale proximale and distale, obliquum, and interosseum. The motion range of the fibula, respective to the tibiotarsus, averaged 35°. This junction is, however, not freely mobile as there is a resting position from which the fibula can be pronated an average of 14° (counterclockwise motion of the right fibula from the proximal view) and supinated an average of 21°. Flexion and inward rotation of the tibiotarsus causes fibular supination. This behavior is induced by the lateral meniscus (which follows the movements of the femur on the plateau of the tibiotarsus) and the femorofibular joint surfaces. As the fibular attachment of the popliteus muscle cannot migrate medially, due to its relative fixation by the femorofibular joint surfaces, fibula supination (tibiotarsus pronation), caused by contraction of the popliteus muscle leads to an inward rotation of the tibiotarsus relative to the femur. The ligaments impede excessive pro‐ and supination. Except for the Lig. tibiofibulare craniale distale, all ligaments also comprise fibers taut in intermediate positions—the Ligg. obliquum and interosseum each have a fiber bundle that is taut in all positions. Tibiotarsus and fibula have no joint surfaces for a common articulation. Hence, the proximal junction should not be termed “articulation” (especially with regard to the distal “syndesmosis”). © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

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The central part of the articular surface on the tibia plateau of Macropus agilis consists of fibrous cartilage of soft consistency and the fiber arrangement is macroscopically visible. The peripheral portions of the plateau are covered by hyaline cartilage but do not communicate with the hyaline articular surfaces of the femur, as they are covered by the menisci. The fibrous cartilage covering of the tibia plateau is a compliant or readily deformed pad that could serve the function of deforming enough under high joint loads to allow surrounding regions of the articular cartilage to share in carrying those loads, thereby magnifying the articular contact surface and decreasing the magnitude of the peak unit loads in the region of the fibrous tissue pad. This pressure-absorbing mechanism represents the evolutionary response to the higher articular stress resulting from kangaroo locomotion.

By means of a combined technique of dissection andradiography the function of cruciate ligament fibers was analyzed for motions in the sagittal plane, and different functional fiber bundles were reconstructed in cadaver knees. In order to grant permanent stability, crucial replacement must be concentrated on the reconstruction of the constantly taut ‘guiding bundle’ of each cruciate ligament. The femoral attachment point of each guiding bundle was found to be in a constant position within the femoral attachment of the respective cruciate ligament. The femoral attachment areas of different functional fibers are also defined geometrically, and the consequences of improper guiding bundle replacement are discussed.

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