Estimation of ACL forces by reproducing knee kinematics between sets of knees: A novel non-invasive methodology

Investigating the effects of anterior tibial translation on anterior knee force in the porcine model: Is the porcine knee ACL dependent?

“…At 4 mm of ATT, the average anterior force was 70 N. Using a flexibility-based rather than stiffness-based test, 8 Darcy et al 12 and Li et al 17 applied a 100 N anterior force to the porcine knee and produced increases in ATT of 4.8 mm to 8.4 mm across 308, 608, and 908 of flexion. We have also shown that at 4 mm of ATT there is a 71 N difference in average anterior force across the entire range of motion between the intact and ACL-deficient state.…”

“…Reports suggest that grafts can fail 10-25% of the time. 12 In addition, the long-term prevalence of osteoarthritis post-injury is the same whether or not surgical reconstruction is performed. 13 Improving the long-term outcome after ACL reconstruction requires better understanding of normal ligament function.…”

“…Investigators have sought to characterize ACL function for single and multiple planes of motion using simulated clinical examinations, 8,[11][12][14][15][16][17][18] but these only evaluate isolated components of ACL function rather than the complex forces associated with ADLs. Direct measurement of ACL force and strain using surgically implanted gauges or transducers has been attempted, but this is invasive and often involves subjects with existing joint injury, 19 and is sensitive to calibration, specimen variability, sensor location, and orientation.…”

“…Recent incorporation of robotics technology into biomechanics research will allow investigators to simulate knee kinematics for ADLs to obtain physiologic ligament forces, but to date robotics has only been used to determine forces for clinical exams. 5,[11][12][15][16][17][18] Directly measuring in vivo ACL forces in humans is beyond current methodologies, so animal models have been used to perform these experiments. 12,23 Larger animals can be advantageous for implanting motion and force sensors and performing repeatable ligament reconstruction.…”

“…5,[11][12][15][16][17][18] Directly measuring in vivo ACL forces in humans is beyond current methodologies, so animal models have been used to perform these experiments. 12,23 Larger animals can be advantageous for implanting motion and force sensors and performing repeatable ligament reconstruction. 11,23 The porcine knee has previously been used to study ACL function due to its similar anatomical structure to the human knee.…”