An investigation to examine the inter-tester and intra-tester reliability of the Rolimeter® knee tester, and its sensitivity in identifying knee joint laxity

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Rolimeter@ knee tester (Aircast@, Europe) as reliable and clinically sensitive tool for identifying and quantifying knee joint laxity utilising a sample of both known ACLD and normal knees.Methods: Thirty matched subjects (1 5 known ACLD and 15 normal subjects) were tested for knee joint laxity using the Polimeterm. Each subject was measured at both 90" and 30" of knee flexion, by each of the six investigators. This was then repeated again by all six investigators so that inter-tester and intra-tester reliability could be examined.Results: Results showed that there was good reliability between testers, and intra-tester reliability was good for both left and right knees in both 90" and 30" of flexion. Results also demonstrated a high level of sensitivity for determining knee joint laxity in ACLD compared to normal knees. Conclusion:The Rolimeter@ knee tester is a reliable device for quantifying knee joint laxity, and is sensitive enough to identify anterior cruciate ligament deficiency.

Methods to diagnose acute anterior cruciate ligament rupture: a meta-analysis of instrumented knee laxity tests

“…Contrary to physical examination test such as the Lachman test, pivot shift test and anterior drawer test, they are objective [24]. Physical examination tests without instruments are largely dependent on the examiner and therefore less reliable [25][26][27][28][29][30]. A very active issue is the quest for a way to objectify the pivot shift test, as currently no objective evaluation tool exists to measure rotational stability of the knee [31][32][33][34][35][36].…”

“…elite athletes vs. weekend warriors vs. sedentary individuals). Furthermore, the large sample of different observers amongst the different studies is a potential source for heterogeneity [3, 26, 27, 29, 40, 41].…”

The anterior–posterior laxity after total knee arthroplasty inserted with a ligament tensor

“…In this study, the Rolimeter instrument is used to determine the anterior–posterior laxity of the TKA knee. Several studies have shown the rolimeter to be a valid and reliable testing device for the anterior–posterior translation of the knee joint [5, 11, 13] in the 90° as well as the 30° of knee flexion [6] with no significant difference between Rolimeter measurements compared to other testing devices [1].…”

Anterior cruciate ligament assessment using arthrometry and stress imaging

“…Hatcher et al found interrater reliability of 0.91-0.95 by a range of skill levels [56]. Muellner found reliability of 0.71-0.90 in experienced testers, but worse in novices [57].…”