External loading of the knee joint during running and cutting maneuvers

Abstract

Compared with running, the potential for increased ligament loading during sidestepping and crossover cutting maneuvers is a result of the large increase in varus/valgus and internal/external rotation moments rather than any change in the external flexion moment. The combined external moments applied to the knee joint during stance phase of the cutting tasks are believed to place the ACL and collateral ligaments at risk of injury, particularly at knee flexion angles between 0 degrees and 40 degrees, if appropriate muscle activation strategies are not used to counter these moments.

Sagittal plane biomechanics cannot injure the ACL during sidestep cutting

“…Mean stance phase patterns for M VV and M IE were consistent with our original findings (McLean et al, 2003) and with those presented previously for sidestep cutting (Besier et al, 2001). However, the peak magni tudes were noticeably larger than those reported by (Besier et al, 2001).…”

“…However, the peak magni tudes were noticeably larger than those reported by (Besier et al, 2001). Differences in experimental method ology, particularly in terms of the cutting angles and speeds adopted in each study may explain the concomi tant differences in load magnitudes.…”

Development and Validation of a 3-D Model to Predict Knee Joint Loading During Dynamic Movement

“…Besier et al [64] also reported peak varus and valgus moments of approximately 0.35 Nm•kg -1 and 0.4 Nm•kg -1 respectively to occur during sidestep stance. Specifically, a net varus moment was evident during the peak-push-off phase, while valgus moments occurred during weight acceptance, representing heel-strike to the first trough in the vertical GRF and final push-off, the last 15% of the stance phase.…”

“…Besier et al [64] observed a mean peak internal rotation moment of approximately 0.35 Nm•kg -1 during what was termed the peak push-off phase of the sidestep, representing 10% either side of the peak vertical GRF. Little or no evidence of a net resultant external rotation moment was observed during the stance phase of the sidestep [64]. Peak internal-external moments reported for the current model, while slightly smaller, occurred during similar phases of the movement.…”

Knee stabilization in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis

“…This observation of altered muscle-activity patterns was made during level walking (6,15), a relatively low-level task. When individuals with medial knee OA are faced with higher-level tasks that may challenge knee stability, such as changing direction, the knee can be subjected to substantial valgus loads (16). Such activities may challenge the lax medial joint structures to a greater extent.…”