Total Knee Replacement (TKR) allows the damaged and degenerated articular surfaces of knee joints to be replaced with prosthetic components. The laxity of the knee joint can be affected by the partial removal of ligaments and other soft tissue constraints during surgery. Excess laxity places soft tissue under abnormal strains, causing instability in the joint and ultimately, joint failure. If the knee is too rigid, the patient will not have a normal and comfortable range of motion. An optimum level of knee laxity is desired.
Using our
axial-torsional 8874 testing system with the addition of an anterior-posterior actuator, allows researchers to conduct in vitro tests on the internal/external rotation and anterior/posterior translation stability of the knee joint while it is subjected to normal gait loads. The effects of component and ligament misbalance on the passive stability of the knee joint can then be assessed.
The additional actuator and fixturing can be removed from the integral T-slot table in order for you to use other accessories for additional tests. This offers the ultimate in flexibility for biomechanical laboratories that perform a variety of tests.
A reliable mechanical model and testing system that can assess the passive stability and laxity of a knee joint is a valuable tool in the design and selection of the optimum replacement knee. Surgical techniques and instrumentation can also benefit, as these can be refined preoperatively to reduce component misalignment and ligament misbalance.