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Validation of a novel biomechanical test bench for the knee joint with six degrees of freedom

  • Christian H. Heinrichs , Dominik Knierzinger , Hannes Stofferin and Werner Schmoelz EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: October 17, 2017

Abstract

A novel biomechanical test bench has been developed for in-vitro evaluation of the knee joint. The test bench allows the kinematics of the knee joint to be studied in all six degrees of freedom. Flexion-extension knee movements are induced by quadriceps and hamstring muscle forces simulated by five pneumatic cylinders. The kinematics of the knee and the actively applied muscle forces are measured simultaneously. The aim of this study was to validate the sensitivity and reproducibility of this novel test bench. Four fresh frozen human knees were tested three times, each with seven flexion-extension cycles between 5° and 60°. After the native knees had been tested, the posterior cruciate ligament and then the lateral collateral ligament were dissected. The injured knees were tested in identical conditions [3×(7×5°–60°)] in order to evaluate whether the test bench is capable of detecting differences in knee kinematics between a native state and an injured one. With regard to reproducibility, the novel test bench showed almost perfect agreement for each specimen and for all states and flexion angles. In comparison with the native knees, the injured knees showed significant differences in knee kinematics. This validated novel test bench will make it possible to investigate various knee pathologies, as well as current and newly developed treatment options.


Corresponding author: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Werner Schmoelz, Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria, Phone: +43 512 504 22413, Fax: +43 512 504 25743

Acknowledgments

Research for the present study was supported by the Tyrolean Science Fund, Austria (Grant/Award Number: ‘GZ: UNI-0404/1471’). The sponsor had no involvement in the design of the test bench or in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data. The authors wish to thank the individuals who donated their bodies for the advancement of education and research.

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Received: 2016-12-21
Accepted: 2017-09-04
Published Online: 2017-10-17
Published in Print: 2018-11-27

©2018 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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