Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this cadaver study was to evaluate an original technique for measuring posterior tibial translation based on an angle value instead of a distance value, with and without posterior stress application. It was hypothesized that an angle measurement of the posterior tibial translation would confirm the presence of a PCL tear with the knee flexed and completely extended.MethodUsing fresh cadavers, a set of strict lateral views were taken by fluoroscopy with the knee at 0°, 45° and 90° flexion on the intact knee and after transecting the PCL. The primary endpoint was the change in the posterior translation measured using a new technique, the ABC angle. This measurement was compared to the conventional posterior translation distance measurement with and without a posterior stress placed on the knee.ResultsApplication of a posterior stress revealed clear changes in posterior translation after PCL transection with the knee at 0° for the angle technique and at 45° and 90° for the two techniques (p < 0.05). Contrary to the reference method, the ABC angle method found a statistically significant difference in posterior translation with the knee in extension.ConclusionOur technique provides a reliable radiographic measurement of posterior translation with the knee in extension, which should make it easier to acquire radiographs in patients who have pain with knee flexion. This angular measurement also has the advantage of not needing length calibration contrary to the reference technique.Level of evidenceIV
Highlights
Severe knee injuries with cruciate ligament tears lead to clinical and radiographical anteroposterior laxity
The aim of this cadaver study was to evaluate an original technique for measuring posterior tibial translation based on an angle value instead of a distance value with the knee in 0°, 45° and 90° flexion, with and without posterior stress application
In 45° and 90° flexion, both measurement methods found a posterior translation after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) transection (p < 0.05)
Summary
Severe knee injuries with cruciate ligament tears lead to clinical and radiographical anteroposterior laxity. Severyns et al J EXP ORTOP (2021) 8:72 reliability and validity of all these techniques requires strict control over tibial rotation, no concurrent anterior cruciate ligament or collateral ligament tears and that patients are able to flex their knee to 90° despite pain associated with post-traumatic hemarthrosis. The aim of this cadaver study was to evaluate an original technique for measuring posterior tibial translation based on an angle value instead of a distance value with the knee in 0°, 45° and 90° flexion, with and without posterior stress application. It was hypothesized that an angle measurement of the posterior tibial translation would confirm the presence of a PCL tear with the knee flexed and completely extended
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have