Assessment of functional knee bracing: An in vivo three-dimensional kinematic analysis of the anterior cruciate deficient knee.

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether application of a functional brace reduced rotational and linear tibial displacements during the performance of a One Legged Jump (OLJ). Steinmann traction pins were surgically implanted into the femur and tibia of six young normal healthy subjects having either a partial or complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Stereophotogrammetric radiographs (RSA) were taken once target markers were affixed to the pins. Angular and translation measurements were recorded using the MacReflex motion analysis system sampling at 120 Hz. A Kistler force plate was synchronised to collect ground reaction forces simultaneously at 960 Hz. Patients were required to jump for distance to sufficiently stress the ACL. Subjects were randomly assigned to start with either the braced or unbraced condition. Analysis focused on differences in magnitudes and changes in the shape of the curves between bracing conditions. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)