Evaluation of anterior knee joint instability with the Rolimeter

Abstract

We report on a comparative measurement of anterior knee joint laxity on 30 healthy test subjects and 30 patients with anterior knee joint instability using a new knee testing device (Rolimeter) and the KT- 1000 arthrometer compared to manual assessment of the anterior tibial translation in 30 degrees flexion (Lachman's test). We wanted to establish the reliability of the Rolimeter device compared to manual assessment and to the KT- 1000 arthrometer. The statistical evaluation by means of an analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 5% showed no significant difference in the exactitude of measurement between the Rolimeter and the KT-1000 arthrometer, but altogether a significant difference between both instrumental methods compared with manual assessment. Thus the Rolimeter provides an economic, exact and simply operating device for quantifying anterior knee joint instability.

An investigation to examine the inter-tester and intra-tester reliability of the Rolimeter® knee tester, and its sensitivity in identifying knee joint laxity

“…These results are in agreement with the findings from both the studies of Balasch et al [2] and Ganko et al [8]. It must be noted, however, that absolute values cannot safely be compared across the range of arthrometers on the market, but their value is in the assessment of a lax against a normal knee in the same subject and in the successive measurements taken in the same knee to assess response to treatment with the same make of arthrometer [I, 141.…”

“…Previous studies on the rolimeter [2,8,13] have all used a mean of repeated recordings (usually of three attempts). This is meant to allow for some variation in the techniques used, as the rolimeter requires a manual force to cause the anterior tibial translation, and it is difficult to accurately maintain this force.…”

“…The validity of the rolimeter knee tester has been investigated previously. Balasch et al [2] and Ganko et al [8] demonstrated in separate studies that the rolimeter knee tester has no significant difference in sensitivity for the diagnosis of an ACL-deficient knee when compared to the KT-1000 arthrometer. Muellner et al…”

“…For each examination a rolimeter reading was taken randomly from each of the 30 subjects three times consecutively at 30" knee flexion (Lachman's test) and three times consecutively at 90" knee flexion (anterior drawer) for either knee [2,8,13] (see Figs. 1 and 2).…”

Ligament repair and reconstruction in traumatic dislocation of the knee

“…This comprised a physical examination which included measurement of the range of knee movement with a goniometer, instrumented Lachman and posterior drawer tests at 80ů sing the Rolimeter (Aircast, Summit, New Jersey), assessment of opening of the joint line on varus and valgus stressing, the 'dial test' for posterolateral instability and the pivot and reverse pivot tests. 23,24 In order to evaluate the competence of the PCL reconstruction, we employed a radiological technique modified from that of Stabuli, Noesberger and Jakob. 25 This comprised a posterior stress lateral radiograph at 80˚ of knee flexion with a 10 kg weight against the tibia in order to assess the translation of the tibia relative to the femur (Fig.…”