Age-Related Changes in In-Vivo 3D Knee Kinematics during Knee Joint Flexion Observed using 2D/3D Registration Technique

Abstract

We aimed to identify 3D motion differences in knee joint articular surface kinematics in healthy young and old participants during weight-bearing knee flexion. Twelve healthy male volunteers, six in their 60s and six in their 20s, without any musculoskeletal system disease involving the knees participated. 3D bone models of the femur and tibia were obtained using CT and matched into the fluoroscopic images captured during split squatting. Translation and rotation of the tibia to the femur during weight-bearing flexion were compared between the groups. Translation of the nearest medial-lateral articular surface location and rotational angle of medial-lateral connecting lines were also compared. As the tibial internal-external rotation angle and medial contact point anterior-posterior translation were significantly correlated between the groups, they could not represent the characteristics of age-related changes. Similar to lateral contact point translation and contact points line angles were significantly different during the initial 10° flexion period. At the 40°-45° knee flexion period, a significant difference was detected in the contact point line angle and in the tibial superior-inferior translation. 3D knee joint kinematic differences between participants in their 20s and 60s, especially during initial and 40°-45° periods, can predict kinematic effects on age-related disease.