A Cadaveric Comparison of the Kinematic and Anatomical Axes and Arthrokinematics of the Metatarsosesamoidal and First Metatarsophalangeal Joints.

Presently, developments in weightbearing computed tomography and biplanar fluoroscopy technologies offer exciting avenues for investigating normative and pathologic foot function with increasing precision. Still, data quantifying sesamoid bone and proximal phalange motion are currently sparse. To express joint kinematics and compare various clinical cohorts, future studies of first ray motion will necessitate robust coordinate frames that respect the variations in underlying anatomy while also aligning closely with the functional, physiological axes of motion. These activity-dependent functional axes may be represented by a mean helical axis of the joint motion. Our cadaveric study quantified joint kinematics from weightbearing computed tomography scans during simulated toe lift and heel rise tasks. We compared the spatial orientations of the mean finite helical axes of the metatarsosesamoidal and metatarsophalangeal joints to the primary joint axis of two relevant methods for defining metatarsal coordinate frames: inertial axes and fitting of geometric primitives. The resultant kinematics exhibited less crosstalk when using a metatarsal coordinate system based on fitting cylindrical primitives to the bony anatomy compared to using principal component axes. Respective metatarsophalangeal and metatarsosesamoidal arthrokinematic contact paths and instantaneous centers of rotation were similar between activities and agree well with currently published data. This study outlines a methodology for quantitatively assessing the efficacy and utility of various anatomical joint coordinate system definitions. Improvements in our ability to characterize the shape and motion of foot bones in the context of functional tasks will elucidate their biomechanical roles and aid clinicians in refining treatment strategies.

Displacement of the Metatarsal Sesamoids in Relation to First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Extension.

Background: Quantifying normal sesamoid movement in relation to first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ1) motion is essential to identifying aberrant kinematics and understanding how they may contribute to forefoot pain and dysfunction. The present study aims to report sesamoid displacement in relation to MTPJ1 extension and to compare sesamoid displacement with MTPJ1 range of motion (ROM) from several imaging modalities. Methods: Using 10 fresh frozen cadaveric feet, sesamoid displacement was evaluated during simulated MTPJ1 extension. The ability of 3 MTPJ1 measurement techniques (goniometry, fluoroscopy, and unloaded cone beam computed tomography [CBCT]) in predicting sesamoid displacement were compared. Kinematics were expressed in a coordinate frame based on the specimen-specific first metatarsal anatomy, and descriptive statistics are reported. Results: In the sagittal plane in both neutral and maximally extended positions, the tibial sesamoid was located on average more anteriorly than the fibular sesamoid. The angular displacement of the tibial and fibular sesamoids in the sagittal plane were 30.2 ± 14.3 degrees and 35.8 ± 10.6 degrees, respectively. In the transverse plane, both sesamoids trended toward the body midline from neutral to maximum extension. The intersesamoidal distance remained constant throughout ROM. Of the 3 measurement techniques, MTPJ1 ROM from CBCT correlated best (R 2 = 0.62 and 0.81 [P < .05] for the tibial and fibular sesamoid, respectively) with sagittal plane sesamoid ROM. Conclusion: The sesamoids were displaced anteriorly and medially in relation to increasing MTPJ1 extension. CBCT was the most correlated clinical imaging technique in relating MTPJ1 extension with sesamoid displacement. Clinical Significance: This study advances our understanding of the biomechanical function of the sesamoids, which is required for both MTPJ1 pathology interventions and implant design. These findings support the use of low-dose CBCT as the information gathered provides more accurate detail about bone position compared with other imaging methods.

Foot radiographic angle variation as a function of weightbearing magnitude.

Weightbearing radiographs are widely used to investigate foot disorders. However, it is unclear how imaging during partial weightbearing affects foot alignment measurements. This study aimed to determine a partial weightbearing threshold that yields consistent measurements of various radiographic angles. Eighteen normal fresh-frozen cadaveric foot specimens were dissected and prepared for mechanical testing using a custom-designed, computed tomography-compatible loading frame. Specimens were placed in a neutral ankle position and scanned in five axial loading conditions (0%, 12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50% bodyweight) using weightbearing computed tomography. (Note 50% bodyweight per foot represents full bodyweight in quiet stance.) The lateral first talometatarsal and calcaneal pitch angles were measured on lateral radiographic projections, and the hallux valgus angle and first-second, fourth-fifth, and first-fifth intermetatarsal angles were measured on axial projection images. The lateral first talometatarsal angle decreased significantly with increased bodyweight loading (p < 0.01). Mean significant decreases in the lateral first talometatarsal angle compared to 0% were 6.6° for 12.5%, 7.6° for 25%, 8.8° for 37.5%, and 10.0° for 50% bodyweight loading; 12.5% to 50% was also significant. There was no significant differences between other loading condition pairings or with increased axial load at other angles. The medial longitudinal arch flattened with increasing axial load, resulting in a decreased lateral first talometatarsal angle. However, this radiographic parameter did not change between the 25% and 50% bodyweight conditions, indicating that partial weightbearing imaging (between 12.5% and 25% bodyweight) might be enough to reproduce the sagittal foot alignments observed under full weightbearing conditions in normal feet.

Evaluation of the Foot Arch in Partial Weightbearing Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Weightbearing plain radiography or computed tomography (CT) is used for diagnosis or treatment selection in foot disorders. This study compared foot alignment between full weightbearing (50% body weight [BW] per foot) plain radiography and nonweightbearing (0% BW) or partial weightbearing (10% BW per foot) CT scans. METHODS: Subjects had both full (50% BW per foot) weightbearing plain radiographs and either a nonweightbearing (0% BW) or a partial weightbearing (20% BW or 10% BW per foot) CT scan. Feet (n = 89) had been previously classified as pes cavus (n = 14/17 [subjects/feet]), neutrally aligned (NA; 20/30), asymptomatic pes planus (APP; 18/24), and symptomatic pes planus (SPP; 15/18). Lateral talometatarsal angle (LTMA) and calcaneal pitch angle were compared between weightbearing radiography and maximum-intensity projection images generated from CT. RESULTS: Significant differences in LTMA were found between nonweightbearing CT scans and full (50% BW per foot) weightbearing plain radiographs: the mean difference was 6.6 degrees in NA, 9.2 degrees in APP, and 11.3 degrees in SPP (P < .0001); no significant difference in LTMA was found for pes cavus. Although the interaction of foot type (P = .084) approached statistical significance, pairwise differences between 10% weightbearing and 50% weightbearing images by foot type were significant but small. The 50% weightbearing condition resulted in calcaneal pitch angles the same or slightly lower or higher than those of the 10% weightbearing and nonweightbearing images. LTMA and calcaneal pitch angle measurements made on full (50% BW per foot) weightbearing plain radiographs and non- (0%) or partial (10% BW per foot) weightbearing angles from CT scans were strongly correlated. CONCLUSION: Different foot types have similar 2-dimensional sagittal plane morphologies with partial weightbearing (10% BW per foot) CT scans and, to a lesser degree, nonweightbearing (0%) neutral-position CT scans when compared to full weightbearing (50% BW per foot) plain radiographs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective case control study.

Neuropathy, claw toes, intrinsic muscle volume, and plantar aponeurosis thickness in diabetic feet.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to explore the relationships between claw toe deformity, peripheral neuropathy, intrinsic muscle volume, and plantar aponeurosis thickness using computed tomography (CT) images of diabetic feet in a cross-sectional analysis. METHODS: Forty randomly-selected subjects with type 2 diabetes were selected for each of the following four groups (n = 10 per group): 1) peripheral neuropathy with claw toes, 2) peripheral neuropathy without claw toes, 3) non-neuropathic with claw toes, and 4) non-neuropathic without claw toes. The intrinsic muscles of the foot were segmented from processed CT images. Plantar aponeurosis thickness was measured in the reformatted sagittal plane at 20% of the distance from the most inferior point of the calcaneus to the most inferior point of the second metatarsal. Five measurement sites in the medial-lateral direction were utilized to fully characterize the plantar aponeurosis thickness. A linear mixed-effects analysis on the effects of peripheral neuropathy and claw toe deformity on plantar aponeurosis thickness and intrinsic muscle volume was performed. RESULTS: Subjects with concurrent neuropathy and claw toes had thicker mean plantar aponeurosis (p < 0.006) and may have had less mean intrinsic muscle volume (p = 0.083) than the other 3 groups. The effects of neuropathy and claw toes on aponeurosis thickness were synergistic rather than additive. A similar pattern may exist for intrinsic muscle volume, but results were not as conclusive. A negative correlation was observed between plantar aponeurosis thickness and intrinsic muscle volume (R2 = 0.323, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with concurrent neuropathy and claw toe deformity were associated with the smallest intrinsic foot muscle volumes and the thickest plantar aponeuroses. Intrinsic muscle atrophy and plantar aponeurosis thickening may be related to the development of claw toes in the presence of neuropathy.

Tibiofemoral Cartilage Contact Differences Between Level Walking and Downhill Running.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have suggested that altered tibiofemoral cartilage contact behavior (arthrokinematics) may contribute to long-term cartilage degeneration, potentially leading to tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. However, few studies have assessed normal tibiofemoral arthrokinematics during dynamic activities. PURPOSE: To characterize tibiofemoral arthrokinematics during the impact phase of level walking and downhill running. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Arthrokinematic data were collected on uninjured knees of 44 participants (mean age, 20.7 ± 6.6 years). Using a dynamic stereoradiographic imaging system with superimposed 3-dimensional bone models from computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of participant-specific tibiofemoral joints, arthrokinematics were assessed during the first 15% of the gait cycle during level walking and the first 10% of the gait cycle during downhill running. RESULTS: During level walking and downhill running, the medial compartment had a greater cartilage contact area versus the lateral compartment. Both compartments had a significantly less cartilage contact area during running versus walking (medial compartment gait cycle affected: 8%-10%; lateral compartment gait cycle affected: 5%-10%). Further, medial and lateral compartment tibiofemoral contact paths were significantly more posterior and longer during downhill running. CONCLUSION: There was a decreased tibiofemoral cartilage contact area during downhill running compared with level walking, suggesting that underlying bone morphology may play a key role in determining the size of cartilage contact regions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides the first data characterizing tibiofemoral cartilage contact patterns during level walking and downhill running. These results provide evidence in support of performing biomechanical assessments during both level walking and downhill running to obtain a comprehensive picture of tibiofemoral cartilage behavior after clinical interventions.

Alteration of Knee Kinematics After Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Dependent on Associated Meniscal Injury.

BACKGROUND: Limited in vivo kinematic information exists on managing meniscal injury during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). HYPOTHESIS: Isolated anatomic ACLR restores knee kinematics, whereas ACLR in the presence of medial meniscal injury is associated with altered long-term knee kinematics. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: From March 2011 to December 2012, 49 of 57 participants in a clinical trial underwent anatomic ACLR with successful kinematic testing at 24 months after ACLR. Twenty-five patients had associated meniscal tears: medial (n = 11), lateral (n = 9), or bilateral (n = 5). With a dynamic stereo radiography system with superimposed high-resolution computed tomography scans of patient knees, kinematics were measured during downhill running. The initial single-support phase of the gait cycle (0%-10%) was analyzed. RESULTS: Anterior tibial translation (ATT) was the only kinematic outcome between patients' ACLR and contralateral knees that had significant interactions among meniscal groups ( P = .007). There was significant difference in ATT between patients with intact menisci and medial tears ( P = .036) and with medial tears and lateral tears ( P = .025). Patients with intact menisci had no difference in ATT, with a negligible effect size between the ACLR and contralateral knees (mean ± SEM: 13.1 ± 0.7 mm vs 12.6 ± 0.5 mm, P = .24, Cohen d = 0.15, n = 24), while patients with medial meniscal tears had an increase in ATT, with a medium effect size between the ACLR and contralateral knees (15.4 ± 1.0 mm vs 13.2 ± 1.0 mm, P = .024, Cohen d = 0.66, n = 11). CONCLUSION: Associated medial meniscal injury in the setting of ACLR leads to increased ATT at 24-month follow-up. Furthermore, isolated anatomic ACLR in the absence of meniscal injury demonstrated no significant difference from native knee kinematics at 24-month follow-up during rigorous "high demand" knee activity with the current sample size. Patients undergoing anatomic ACLR in the presence of medial meniscal injury remained at a higher likelihood of sustaining altered long-term knee kinematics.

In vivo tibiofemoral skeletal kinematics and cartilage contact arthrokinematics during decline walking after isolated meniscectomy.

We investigated the effects of isolated meniscectomy on tibiofemoral skeletal kinematics and cartilage contact arthrokinematics in vivo. We recruited nine patients who had undergone isolated medial or lateral meniscectomy, and used a dynamic stereo-radiography (DSX) system to image the patients' knee motion during decline walking. A volumetric model-based tracking process determined 3D tibiofemoral kinematics from the recorded DSX images. Cartilage contact arthrokinematics was derived from the intersection between tibial and femoral cartilage models co-registered to the bones. The kinematics and arthrokinematics were analyzed for early stance and loading response phase (30% of a gait cycle), comparing the affected and intact knees. Results showed that four patients with medial meniscectomy had significantly greater contact centroid excursions in the meniscectomized medial compartments while five patients with lateral meniscectomy had significantly greater cartilage contact area and lateral shift of contact centroid path in the meniscectomized lateral compartments, comparing to those of the same compartments in the contralateral intact knees. No consistent difference however was identified in the skeletal kinematics. The current study demonstrated that cartilage-based intra-articular arthrokinematics is more sensitive and insightful than the skeletal kinematics in assessing the meniscectomy effects.

Three-dimensional isotropic magnetic resonance imaging can provide a reliable estimate of the native anterior cruciate ligament insertion site anatomy.

PURPOSE: This study quantified the error in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insertion site location and area estimated from three-dimensional (3D) isotropic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by comparing to native insertion sites determined via 3D laser scanning. METHODS: Isotropic 3D DESS MRI was acquired from twelve fresh-frozen, ACL-intact cadaver knees. ACL insertion sites were manually outlined in each MRI slice, and the resulting contours combined to determine the 3D insertion site shape. Specimens were then disarticulated, and the boundaries of the ACL insertion sites were digitized using a high-accuracy laser scanner. MRI and laser scan insertion sites were co-registered to determine the percent overlapping area and difference in insertion centroid location. RESULTS: Femoral ACL insertion site area averaged 112.7 ± 17.9 mm2 from MRI and 109.7 ± 10.9 mm2 from laser scan (p = 0.345). Tibial insertion area was 134.7 ± 22.9 mm2 from MRI and 135.2 ± 15.1 mm2 from laser scan (p = 0.881). Percentages of overlapping area between modalities were 82.2 ± 10.2% for femurs and 81.0 ± 9.0% for tibias. The root-mean-square differences for ACL insertion site centroids were 1.87 mm for femurs and 2.49 mm for tibias. The MRI-estimated ACL insertion site centroids were biased on average 0.6 ± 1.6 mm proximally and 0.3 ± 1.9 mm posteriorly for femurs, and 0.3 ± 1.1 mm laterally and 0.5 ± 1.5 mm anteriorly for tibias. CONCLUSION: Errors in ACL insertion site location and area estimated from 3D-MRI were determined via comparison with a high-accuracy 3D laser scanning. Results indicate that MRI can provide estimates of ACL insertion site area and centroid location with clinically applicable accuracy. MRI-based assessment can provide a reliable estimate of the native ACL anatomy, which can be helpful for surgical planning as well as assessment of graft tunnel placement.

In Vivo Analysis of Dynamic Graft Bending Angle in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Reconstructed Knees During Downward Running and Level Walking: Comparison of Flexible and Rigid Drills for Transportal Technique.

PURPOSE: To determine the in vivo dynamic graft bending angle (GBA) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstructed knees, correlate the angle to tunnel positions and tunnel widening, and evaluate the effects of 2 femoral tunnel drilling techniques on GBA. METHODS: Patients with an isolated ACL injury undergoing reconstruction from 2011 to 2012 were included. Transportal techniques were used to create femoral tunnels. Tunnel locations were determined by 3-dimensional computed tomography. Tibiofemoral kinematics during treadmill walking and running were assessed by dynamic stereo x-ray analysis 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. The GBA was calculated from the 3-dimensional angle between the graft and femoral tunnel vectors on each motion frame. The cross-sectional areas of femoral tunnels were measured at 6 months and compared with the initial size to assess tunnel widening. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were included. Use of flexible drills resulted in significantly higher GBAs during walking (80.6° ± 7.8°, P < .001) and running (80.5° ± 9.0°, P = .025) than rigid drills (walking, 67.5° ± 9.3°; running, 74.1° ± 9.6°). Their use led to greater tunnel widening of 113.9% ± 17.6%, as compared with 97.7% ± 17.5% for rigid drills (P = .003). The femoral and tibial apertures were located in similar anatomic positions in both groups, but the femoral tunnel exits were located more anteriorly (P < .001) in the flexible drill group. A higher GBA was highly correlated with anterior location of femoral exits (r = 0.63, P < .001) and moderately correlated with greater tunnel widening (r = 0.48, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: High GBAs were identified during dynamic activities after anatomic ACL reconstruction with a transportal femoral tunnel drilling technique. The GBA was greater when flexible drills were used. The high bending angle resulted from the more anterior location of the femoral tunnel exits, and it correlated with early bone tunnel widening at 6 months. These results suggest that a high GBA may increase stress at the bone-graft interface and contribute to greater tunnel widening after anatomic ACL reconstruction, although the clinical impact should be further investigated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

In vivo posterior cruciate ligament elongation in running activity after anatomic and non-anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The goals of this study were to (1) investigate the in vivo elongation behaviour of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) during running in the uninjured knee and (2) evaluate changes in PCL elongation during running after anatomic or non-anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Seventeen unilateral ACL-injured subjects were recruited after undergoing anatomic (n = 9) or non-anatomic (n = 8) ACL reconstruction. Bilateral high-resolution CT scans were obtained to produce 3D models. Anterolateral (AL) and posteromedial (PM) bundles insertion sites of the PCL were identified on the 3D CT scan reconstructions. Dynamic knee function was assessed during running using a dynamic stereo X-ray (DSX) system. The lengths of the AL and PM bundles were estimated from late swing through mid-stance. The contralateral knees served as normal controls. RESULTS: Control knees demonstrated a slight decrease in AL bundle and a significant decrease in PM bundle length following foot strike. Length and elongation patterns of the both bundles of the PCL in the anatomic ACL reconstruction group were similar to the controls. However, the change in dynamic PCL length was significantly greater in the non-anatomic group than in the anatomic reconstruction group after foot strike (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The AL bundle length decreased slightly, and the PM bundle length significantly decreased after foot strike during running in uninjured knees. Anatomic ACL reconstruction maintained normal PCL elongation patterns more effectively than non-anatomic ACL reconstruction during high-demand, functional loading. These results support the use of anatomic ACL reconstruction to achieve normal knee function in high-demand activities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case-control study, Level III.

Variation in the shape of the tibial insertion site of the anterior cruciate ligament: classification is required.

PURPOSE: To propose a classification system for the shape of the tibial insertion site (TIS) of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and to demonstrate the intra- and inter-rater agreement of this system. Due to variation in shape and size, different surgical approaches may be feasible to improve reconstruction of the TIS. METHODS: One hundred patients with a mean age of 26 ± 11 years were included. The ACL was cut arthroscopically at the base of the tibial insertion site. Arthroscopic images were taken from the lateral and medial portal. Images were de-identified and duplicated. Two blinded observers classified the tibial insertion site according to a classification system. RESULTS: The tibial insertion site was classified as type I (elliptical) in 51 knees (51 %), type II (triangular) in 33 knees (33 %) and type III (C-shaped) in 16 knees (16 %). There was good agreement between raters when viewing the insertion site from the lateral portal (κ = 0.65) as well as from the medial portal (κ = 0.66). Intra-rater reliability was good to excellent. Agreement in the description of the insertion site between the medial and lateral portals was good for rater 1 and good for rater 2 (κ = 0.74 and 0.77, respectively). CONCLUSION: There is variation in the shape of the ACL TIS. The classification system is a repeatable and reliable tool to summarize the shape of the TIS using three common patterns. For clinical relevance, different shapes may require different types of reconstruction to ensure proper footprint restoration. Consideration of the individual TIS shape is required to prevent iatrogenic damage of adjacent structures like the menisci. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Is There a Difference in Graft Motion for Bone-Tendon-Bone and Hamstring Autograft ACL Reconstruction at 6 Weeks and 1 Year?

BACKGROUND: Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) grafts are generally believed to heal more quickly than soft tissue grafts after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, but little is known about the time course of healing or motion of the grafts within the bone tunnels. HYPOTHESIS: Graft-tunnel motion will be greater in hamstring (HS) grafts compared with BTB grafts and will be less at 1 year than at 6 weeks. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Twelve patients underwent anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction using HS or BTB autografts (6 per group) with six 0.8-mm tantalum beads embedded in each graft. Dynamic stereo x-ray images were collected at 6 weeks and 1 year during treadmill walking and stair descent and at 1 year during treadmill running. Tibiofemoral kinematics and bead positions were evaluated. Graft-tunnel motion was based on bead range of motion during the loading response phase (first 10%) of the gait cycle. RESULTS: During treadmill walking, there was no difference in femoral tunnel or tibial tunnel motion between BTB or HS grafts at 6 weeks (BTB vs HS: 2.00 ± 1.05 vs 1.25 ± 0.67 mm [femoral tunnel]; 1.20 ± 0.63 vs 1.27 ± 0.71 mm [tibial tunnel]), or 1 year (BTB vs HS: 1.62 ± 0.76 vs 1.08 ± 0.26 mm [femoral tunnel]; 1.58 ± 0.75 vs 1.68 ± 0.53 mm [tibial tunnel]). During stair descent, there was no difference in femoral or tibial tunnel motion between BTB and HS grafts at 6 weeks or 1 year. With running, there was no difference between graft types at 1 year. For all results, P values were > .05. Knee kinematics were consistent with the literature. CONCLUSION: During walking and stair descent, ACL reconstruction using suspensory fixation yielded no difference between graft types in femoral or tibial tunnel motion at 6 weeks or 1 year. All subjects were asymptomatic with knee kinematics similar to that of the literature. The significance of persistent, small (1 to 3 mm) movements at 1 year for healing or graft performance is unknown. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These study results may have significant implications for graft choice, rehabilitation strategies, and timing for return to sports.

The Effects of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency on the Meniscus and Articular Cartilage: A Novel Dynamic In Vitro Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury increases the risk of meniscus and articular cartilage damage, but the causes are not well understood. Previous in vitro studies were static, required extensive knee dissection, and likely altered meniscal and cartilage contact due to the insertion of pressure sensing devices. HYPOTHESIS: ACL deficiency will lead to increased translation of the lateral meniscus and increased deformation of the medial meniscus as well as alter cartilage contact location, strain, and area. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: With minimally invasive techniques, six 1.0-mm tantalum beads were implanted into the medial and lateral menisci of 6 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. Dynamic stereo x-rays (DSXs) were obtained during dynamic knee flexion (from 15° to 60°, simulating a standing squat) with a 46-kg load in intact and ACL-deficient states. Knee kinematics, meniscal movement and deformation, and cartilage contact were compared by novel imaging coregistration. RESULTS: During dynamic knee flexion from 15° to 60°, the tibia translated 2.6 mm (P = .05) more anteriorly, with 2.3° more internal rotation (P = .04) with ACL deficiency. The medial and lateral menisci, respectively, translated posteriorly an additional 0.7 mm (P = .05) and 1.0 mm (P = .03). Medial and lateral compartment cartilage contact location moved posteriorly (2.0 mm [P = .05] and 2.0 mm [P = .04], respectively). CONCLUSION: The lateral meniscus showed greater translation with ACL deficiency compared with the medial meniscus, which may explain the greater incidences of acute lateral meniscus tears and chronic medial meniscus tears. Furthermore, cartilage contact location moved further posteriorly than that of the meniscus in both compartments, possibly imparting more meniscal stresses that may lead to early degeneration. This new, minimally invasive, dynamic in vitro model allows the study of meniscus function and cartilage contact and can be applied to evaluate different pathologies and surgical techniques. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This novel model illustrates that ACL injury may lead to significant meniscus and cartilage abnormalities acutely, and these parameters are dynamically measurable while maintaining native anatomy.

Quantitative In Situ Analysis of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Length, Midsubstance Cross-sectional Area, and Insertion Site Areas.

BACKGROUND: Quantification of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in different loading conditions is important for understanding the native anatomy and thus achieving anatomic reconstruction. The ACL insertion sites are larger than the ACL midsubstance, and the isthmus (region of the smallest CSA) location may vary with the load or flexion angle. PURPOSE: To (1) quantify the CSA along the entire ACL, (2) describe the location of the ACL isthmus, (3) explore the relationship between ACL length and CSA, and (4) validate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing the CSA of the midsubstance ACL. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Eight cadaveric knees were dissected to expose the ACL and its attachments. Knees were positioned using a robotic loading system through a range of flexion angles in 3 loading states: (1) unloaded, (2) anterior tibial translation, and (3) combined rotational load of valgus and internal torque. Laser scanning quantified the shape of the ACL and its insertion site boundaries. The CSA of the ACL was measured, and the location of the isthmus was determined; the CSA of the ACL was also estimated from MRI and compared with the laser-scanned data. RESULTS: The CSA of the ACL varied along the ligament, and the isthmus existed at an average (±SD) of 53.8% ± 5.5% of the distance from the tibial insertion center to the femoral insertion center. The average CSA at the isthmus was smallest in extension (39.9 ± 13.7 mm(2)) and increased with flexion (43.9 ± 12.1 mm(2) at 90°). The ACL length was shortest at 90° of flexion and increased by 18.8% ± 10.1% in unloaded extension. Application of an anterior load increased the ACL length by 5.0% ± 3.3% in extension, and application of a combined rotational load increased its length by 4.1% ± 3.0% in extension. CONCLUSION: The ACL isthmus is located almost half of the distance between the insertion sites. The CSA of the ACL at the isthmus is largest with the knee unloaded and at 90° of flexion, and the area decreases with extension and applied loads. The CSA at the isthmus represents less than half the area of the insertion sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results may aid surgical planning, specifically for choosing a graft size and fixation angle that most closely matches the native anatomy and function across the entire range of knee motion.

Validation of a method for combining biplanar radiography and magnetic resonance imaging to estimate knee cartilage contact.

Combining accurate bone kinematics data from biplane radiography with cartilage models from magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible to estimate tibiofemoral cartilage contact area and centroid location. Proper validation of such estimates, however, has not been performed under loading conditions approximating functional tasks, such as gait, squatting, and stair descent. The goal of this study was to perform an in vitro validation to resolve the accuracy of cartilage contact estimations in comparison to a laser scanning gold standard. Results demonstrated acceptable reliability and accuracy for both contact area and centroid location estimates. Root mean square errors in contact area averaged 8.4% and 4.4% of the medial and lateral compartmental areas, respectively. Modified Sorensen-Dice agreement scores of contact regions averaged 0.81 ± 0.07 for medial and 0.83 ± 0.07 for lateral compartments. These validated methods have applications for in vivo assessment of a variety of patient populations and physical activities, and may lead to greater understanding of the relationships between knee cartilage function, effects of joint injury and treatment, and the development of osteoarthritis.

Altered tibiofemoral kinematics in the affected knee and compensatory changes in the contralateral knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of knee kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have generally employed low-effort tasks and typically not assessed changes in kinematics over time. HYPOTHESES: (1) During single-legged hop landing, ACL-reconstructed limbs will have altered kinematics compared with contralateral (ACL-intact) limbs 5 months after surgery. (2) Kinematic differences between limbs will decrease over time because of changes in both ACL-reconstructed and ACL-intact limbs. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: In vivo kinematics of ACL-reconstructed and contralateral ACL-intact knees were evaluated for 14 subjects during single-legged forward-hop landings at 5 and 12 months after surgery on the basis of dynamic stereo x-ray imaging. Differences between limbs and changes over time were assessed via repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Five months after surgery, ACL-reconstructed knees landed significantly less flexed compared with contralateral ACL-intact knees (20.9° vs 28.4°, respectively; P < .05). The ACL-reconstructed knees were significantly more externally rotated (12.2° vs 6.5°; P < .05) and medially translated (3.8 vs 2.3 mm; P < .009) compared with ACL-intact knees. Anterior-posterior translation was similar between limbs. From 5 to 12 months, knee flexion at landing increased in ACL-reconstructed knees (mean change, +3.4°; P < .05) and decreased in contralateral knees (mean change, -3.3°; P < .05). External tibial rotation also significantly decreased in ACL-reconstructed knees (-2.2°; P < .05) and increased in contralateral knees (+1.1°; P = .117) over time. Medial tibial translation decreased slightly over time only in ACL-reconstructed knees (-0.3 mm). CONCLUSION: Five months after ACL reconstruction, landing kinematics differed between ACL-reconstructed and contralateral ACL-intact knees during a dynamic high-loading activity. These differences decreased over time, owing to changes in both the ACL-reconstructed and contralateral ACL-intact limbs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study identified kinematic changes over time in both the ACL-injured and contralateral ACL-intact knees after ACL reconstruction. These kinematic adaptations could have important implications for postoperative care, including evaluating the optimal timing of return to sports and the development of bilateral neuromuscular rehabilitation programs that may improve patient outcomes and reduce reinjuries in both the short and long terms.

Knee rotation influences the femoral tunnel angle measurement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a 3-dimensional computed tomography model study.

PURPOSE: Femoral tunnel angle (FTA) has been proposed as a metric for evaluating whether ACL reconstruction was performed anatomically. In clinic, radiographic images are typically acquired with an uncertain amount of internal/external knee rotation. The extent to which knee rotation will influence FTA measurement is unclear. Furthermore, differences in FTA measurement between the two common positions (0° and 45° knee flexion) have not been established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of knee rotation on FTA measurement after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Knee CT data from 16 subjects were segmented to produce 3D bone models. Central axes of tunnels were identified. The 0° and 45° flexion angles were simulated. Knee internal/external rotations were simulated in a range of ± 20°. FTA was defined as the angle between the tunnel axis and femoral shaft axis, orthogonally projected into the coronal plane. RESULTS: Femoral tunnel angle was positively/negatively correlated with knee rotation angle at 0°/45° knee flexion. At 0° knee flexion, FTA for anterio-medial (AM) tunnels was significantly decreased at 20° of external knee rotation. At 45° knee flexion, more than 16° external or 19° internal rotation significantly altered FTA measurements for single-bundle tunnels; smaller rotations (± 9° for AM, ± 5° for PL) created significant errors in FTA measurements after double-bundle reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Femoral tunnel angle measurements were correlated with knee rotation. Relatively small imaging malalignment introduced significant errors with knee flexed 45°. This study supports using the 0° flexion position for knee radiographs to reduce errors in FTA measurement due to knee internal/external rotation.

Cervical spine bone mineral density as a function of vertebral level and anatomic location.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements acquired from quantitative computed tomography scans have been shown to correlate with bone mechanical properties such as strength, stiffness, and yield load. There are currently no reports of BMD as a function of anatomic location within each vertebra. PURPOSE: The overall objective of this study was to characterize BMD in the cervical spine as a function of level and anatomic location. STUDY DESIGN: Cervical spine BMD was evaluated in vivo using a clinically relevant age group. PATIENT SAMPLE: Twenty-two subjects (13 women and 9 men) were included with an average age of 48 ± 7 years (range, 35-61 years). Ten subjects were recently diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy (age 49 ± 8 years; six women and four men; and two smokers and eight nonsmokers), and 12 subjects were asymptomatic controls (age 46 ± 6 years; seven women and five men; and three smokers, three quit smoking, and six nonsmokers). OUTCOME MEASURES: Physiologic measures included overall BMD for C3-C7, average BMD within 11 anatomically defined regions of interest for each vertebra, and density distribution (by volume) within each anatomic region and vertebral level. METHODS: Subject-specific three-dimensional bone models were created from high-resolution computed tomography scans of the subaxial cervical spine (C3-C7). Custom software calculated the average BMD within 11 anatomically defined regions of interest for each three-dimensional bone model. Bone mineral density values for each voxel of bone tissue were binned into 50 mg/cc ranges to determine the density distribution by volume. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test for differences within subjects by level (C3-C7) and anatomic location. The correlation between BMD in the central vertebral body and the pedicle and lateral mass regions was tested using Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Average BMDs by level were 476, 503, 507, 473, and 414 mg/cm(3) for C3-C7, respectively. C3 and C6 BMDs were significantly less than those of C4 and C5 (p<.007). C7 BMD was significantly less than those of all other levels (all p<.001). Control and female subjects showed a trend toward higher BMD than radiculopathy and male subjects across all levels (p value: .06-.17). Wide variation in BMD was observed over anatomical regions, with the pedicles having significantly higher BMD than all other anatomic locations and the anterior portion of the central vertebral body having significantly lower BMD than all other anatomic locations. There was a significant positive correlation between central vertebral body BMD and lateral mass BMD at each level. Bone mineral density distribution by volume plots revealed women had a higher volume of very high-density bone than men but only in the posterior elements. CONCLUSIONS: This study has characterized BMD in the cervical spine according to vertebral level and anatomic location within each vertebral level using live subjects from a clinically relevant age group. The results indicate significant differences in BMD according to vertebral level and among anatomical regions within each vertebra. The results suggest to the surgeon and device manufacturer that surgical procedures involving instrumentation attached to C7 may require a modification in instrumentation or in surgical technique to attain results equivalent to more superior levels. The results suggest to the basic scientist that computational models may be improved by taking into account the wide variation in BMD over different anatomical regions.

Medial portal drilling: effects on the femoral tunnel aperture morphology during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: A goal of anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction should be to create a femoral tunnel aperture that resembles the native attachment site in terms of size and orientation. Aperture morphology varies as a function of the drill-bit diameter, the angle in the horizontal plane at which the drilled tunnel intersects the lateral notch wall (transverse drill angle), and the angle of knee flexion in the vertical plane during drilling. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to determine population-based dimensions of the femoral ACL footprint. The tunnel aperture length, width, and area associated with the use of different drill-bit diameters and transverse drill angles were calculated. The effect of the knee flexion angle on the orientation (anteroposterior and proximodistal dimension) and size of the femoral tunnel aperture relative to the native femoral insertion of the ACL were calculated with use of geometric mathematical models. RESULTS: The literature search revealed an average femoral insertion site size of 8.9 mm for width, 16.3 mm for length, and 136.0 mm2 for area. The use of a 9-mm drill bit at a transverse drill angle of 40° resulted in a tunnel aperture area of 99.0 mm2 and a tunnel aperture length of 14.0 mm. Decreasing the transverse drill angle from 60° to 20° led to an increase of 152.9% in length and of 153.1% in tunnel aperture area. When a 9-mm drill bit and a transverse drill angle of 40° were used, the aperture seemed to best match the native ACL footprint when drilling was performed at a knee flexion angle of 102°; deviations from this angle in either direction resulted in increasing tunnel area mismatch compared with the baseline aperture. Increasing the knee flexion angle to 130° decreased the proximodistal dimension of the aperture by 2.78 mm and increased the anteroposterior distance by 0.65 mm, creating a mismatched area of 13.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The drill-bit diameter, transverse drill angle, and knee flexion angle can all affect femoral tunnel aperture morphology in medial portal drilling during ACL reconstruction. The relationship between drilling orientation and aperture morphology is critical knowledge for surgeons performing ACL reconstruction.