In Vivo Kinematics of Bicruciate-Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty with Anatomical Articular Surface under High-Flexion Conditions

Abstract

Bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (BCR-TKA) recreates normal knee movement by preserving the anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligaments. However, in vivo kinematics of BCR-TKA with the anatomical articular surface remains unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vivo kinematics of BCR-TKA with the anatomical articular surface during high-flexion activities. For this purpose, 17 knees after BCR-TKA with an anatomical articular surface were examined. Under fluoroscopy, each patient performed squatting and cross-legged sitting motions. To estimate the spatial position and orientation of the knee, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional registration technique was used. Rotation, varus-valgus angle, and anteroposterior translation of medial and lateral contact points of the femoral component relative to the tibial component were evaluated in each flexion angle. The results showed that from 80 to 110° of flexion, the femoral external rotation during squatting was significantly larger than that during cross-legged sitting. At maximum flexion, the knees during sitting indicated significantly more varus alignment than during squatting. During squatting, a medial pivot pattern was observed from minimum flexion to 10° flexion, with no significant movement beyond 10° of flexion. Conversely, during cross-legged sitting, no significant movement was detected from minimum flexion to 60° of flexion, with a medial pivot beyond 60° of flexion. Therefore, the knees showed relatively normal kinematics after BCR-TKA with an anatomical articular surface; however, it varied during high-flexion activities depending on the activity.

In vivo kinematics and cruciate ligament forces in bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty

“…The type of high-flexion activity also had an effect on knee kinematics. Squatting induced greater femoral external rotation and cross-legged sitting generated more varus angulation at maximum flexion, as we have previously reported 17 . In addition, this kinematic difference, depending on the type of high-flexion activity, was similar to that of normal knees 22 .…”

“…Knee kinematics were recorded fluoroscopically while each patient performed a closed-kinetic chain deep knee bend (squatting) and an open-kinetic chain high flexion activity (sitting cross-legged) 17 . Preoperative kinematics (within one month of surgery) were recorded during squatting.…”

“…is clinically relevant. A previous study demonstrated that knee kinematics after BCR-TKA differed depending on the type of high-flexion activities 17 . However, whether the cruciate ligament force in BCR-TKA knees differs depending on the high-flexion activities remains unknown.…”

Femoral Rollback at High-Flexion During Squatting is Related to the Improvement of Sports Activities After Bicruciate-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Observational Study

“…First, in the current study, only squatting was measured. The previous studies reported that knee kinematics differ depending on the type of activities [21,30]. Therefore, the kinematic effect during other activities might be different from squatting.…”

Femoral rollback at high-flexion during squatting is related to the improvement of sports activities after bicruciate-stabilized total knee arthroplasty: an observational study

“…First, in the current study, only squatting was measured. The previous studies reported that knee kinematics differ depending on the type of activities [ 22 , 32 ]. Therefore, the kinematic effect during other activities might be different from squatting.…”