Translational Movement of the Tibiofemoral Joint in Normal Gait: 3-Dimensional Measurement

Kim, Ha Yong; Ahn, Jae Hoon; Park, Kun Young; Kim, Kap Jung; Cha, Yong Hwan; Lee, Kwang Won; Kim, Hwan Jeong

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the translational movement at the tibiofemoral joint during normal walking using 3-D motion capture technique.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study group was 30 healthy volunteers (15 Males, 15 females) without a history of musculoskeletal problems. Mean age was 20.4 years (18~25). Helen-Hayes Markes system was adopted for the basic study. Two more markers were added to generate 2 virtual markers using SKB (Skeletal builder) program. One virtual marker (alpha) was set on the mid point of intercondylar notch of distal femur. The other virtual marker (beta) was set on the tibial spine. Translational movement of beta relative to alpha was measured during normal walking.
RESULTS
Linear parameters and kinematic results were within normal limits with no statistical difference between male and female or right and left. On the sagittal plane, tibial spine translated posteriorly as the knee flexed. Posterior translation of 2.6 mm at the loading response and 13.7 mm at the peak knee flexion were measured. Vertical translation showed three up and down patterns with distraction of 7.3 mm at the end of first single support period, 9.6 mm at the end of double support period and 10.3 mm at the midswing phase. On the coronal plane, medial and lateral translation was minimal during stance phase. Lateral translation of 3.3 mm occurred at the swing phase.
CONCLUSIONS
The amount of the translation of tibia on the femur at the knee joint during walking could be useful information for the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of the patients with pathologic knees.