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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Rotational knee laxity: Reliability of a simple measurement device in vivo

Authors: Andrew G Tsai, Volker Musahl, Hanno Steckel, Kevin M Bell, Thore Zantop, James J Irrgang, Freddie H Fu

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Background

Double bundle ACL reconstruction has been demonstrated to decrease rotational knee laxity. However, there is no simple, commercially-available device to measure knee rotation. The investigators developed a simple, non-invasive device to measure knee rotation. In conjunction with a rigid boot to rotate the tibia and a force/moment sensor to allow precise determination of torque about the knee, a magnetic tracking system measures the axial rotation of the tibia with respect to the femur. This device has been shown to have acceptable levels of test re-test reliability to measure knee rotation in cadaveric knees.

Methods

The objective of this study was to determine reliability of the device in measuring knee rotation of human subjects. Specifically, the intra-tester reliability within a single testing session, test-retest reliability between two testing sessions, and inter-tester reliability were assessed for 11 male subjects with normal knees.

Results

The 95% confidence interval for rotation was less than 5° for intra-tester, test-retest, and inter-tester reliability, and the standard error of measurement for the differences between left and right knees was found to be less than 3°.

Conclusion

It was found that the knee rotation measurements obtained with this device have acceptable limits of reliability for clinical use and interpretation.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Rotational knee laxity: Reliability of a simple measurement device in vivo
Authors
Andrew G Tsai
Volker Musahl
Hanno Steckel
Kevin M Bell
Thore Zantop
James J Irrgang
Freddie H Fu
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-9-35

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