Abstract
Clinicians frequently use knee arthrometers to assess anterior knee laxity, typically using an average of 3 or more trials, yet little research has been done regarding the stability of this measure with repeated ligament tensioning. PURPOSE: To evaluate the stability of anterior knee laxity and ligament compliance measures across repeated trials to evaluate any creep effect and if present, to determine the number of “pre-conditioning” trials required to achieve stable measures. METHODS: Ten healthy males (25.0 ± 6.6 yrs, 176.9 ± 8.1 cm, 73.8 ± 11.78 kg) were tested using a modified knee arthrometer (Telos GA-II/E), interfaced with software (LigMaster© Version 0.62) over 10 consecutive trials. Measures were collected consistent with manufacturer specifications, with the participant side-lying and the test leg positioned in 30 degrees of hip and knee flexion. Anterior counter-stabilizing pads were consistently placed 2cm above the patella and 21cm distal to the medial joint line, with the center of the load applicator positioned on the posterior calf, 10cm distal to the medial joint line. Raw displacement values were collected every 2N from 20 - 190N. Displacement was calculated as the amount of anterior tibial translation (mm) recorded at 190N and compliance was calculated as the slope of the line from 20 - 190N. RESULTS: Measurement consistency over the 10 trials was determined with oneway, repeated measures ANOVA. Displacement values ranged from 81.6 ± 20.8 to 85.65 ± 18.5mm and compliance values ranged from .305 ± .045 to .319 ± .032mm/N. We found no difference between trials for displacement (p = .708) or compliance (p = .808) indicating no systematic change in values with repeated, consecutive trials. CONCLUSION: There was no creep effect in ligament behavior with repeated ligament tensioning up to 190N. Clinicians can be assured of obtaining stable measures within the first few trials, without the need for pre-conditioning trials. Sponsor NIH Grant #1 R03 AR 47178–01
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