A new load application system for in vitro study of ligamentous injuries to the human knee joint

Bach, J. M.<sup>1</sup>; Hull, M. L.<sup>2</sup>

Affiliations

¹Research Assistant, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616

²Professor and Chair of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616

Abstract

This paper describes the design and accuracy evaluation of a new six degree of freedom load application system for in vitro testing of the human knee joint. External loads of both polarity in all six degrees of freedom can be applied either individually or in any combination while the knee is permitted to move unconstrained in response to applied loads. The flexion/extension degree of freedom permits the full physiological range of motion. In addition to external loads, forces of the three major muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius) crossing the joint can be developed. Full automation and rapid convergence of loads to programmed values are achieved through a computer which feeds command signals to servo controller/electro-pneumatic servo valves. The servo valves regulate pressure to pneumatic actuators which develop the various loads. Experiments undertaken to quantify the accuracy of both load and displacement measurements reveal that errors particularly in load measurement are effectively controlled through the apparatus design.

Links

DOI: 10.1115/1.2794195

PubMed: 8748517

WoS: A1995TT90000001

History

Received: 1994-01-10

Revised: 1994-09-26

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Cited By (15)

Year	Entry
2003	Haut Donahue TL, Hull ML, Rashid MM, Jacobs CR. How the stiffness of meniscal attachments and meniscal material properties affect tibio-femoral contact pressure computed using a validated finite element model of the human knee joint. J Biomech. January 2003;36(1):19-34.
1997	Kwak SKD. Experimental and Mathematical Investigation of the Human Knee: Anatomy, Kinematics and Contact [PhD thesis]. Columbia University; 1997.
2013	Young KL. Patient-Specific Patterns of Passive and Dynamic Knee Joint Mechanics Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty [Master's thesis]. Halifax, NS: Dalhousie University; July 2013.
2004	Hansen ET. Development, Calibration and Evaluation of a Telemetric Transducer for Patellofemoral Force Measurement in a Human Knee [Master's thesis]. Colorado School of Mines; 2004.
2007	Holz TN. The Extensor Mechanism, Patellofemoral Contact Mechanics, and Kinematics of the Knee in Four Conditions Healthy, ACL Deficient, Implanted PCL Sparing and Sacrificing [Master's thesis]. Colorado School of Mines; 2007.
2007	Zielinska B. Mechanotransduction in Meniscal Tissue [PhD thesis]. Houghton, MI: Michigan Technological University; 2007.
2003	Kuxhaus L. Development of a Feedback-Controlled Elbow Simulator: Design Validation and Clinical Application [PhD thesis]. University of Pittsburgh; 2003.
2023	Schimoler PJ. Iterative Learning Control of an Elbow Joint Motion Simulator [PhD thesis]. University of Pittsburgh; 2023.
2000	Haut Donahue TL. A Finite Element Model of the Human Knee Joint for the Study of Meniscal Replacements [PhD thesis]. Davis, University of California; 2000.
2010	Roland M. Virtual Axis Finder: A New Method to Determine the Two Kinematic Axes of Rotation for the Tibio-Femoral Joint [Master's thesis]. Davis, University of California; 2010.
2013	Bonny DP. Design, Calibration, and Validation of an Instrumented Spatial Linkage That Accurately Measures Changes in the Rotational Axes of the Tibiofemoral Joint [Master's thesis]. Davis, University of California; 2013.
2014	Roth JD. The Limits of Passive Motion of the Normal Tibiofemoral Joint: A Benchmark for Modeling and for Total Knee Arthroplasty [Master's thesis]. Davis, University of California; 2014.
2016	Riley JA. Do Varus-Valgus and Internal-External Malalignments of the Femoral Component in Kinematically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty Cause Clinically Important Changes in Contact Force Imbalance and Laxities of the Tibiofemoral Joint? [Master's thesis]. Davis, University of California; 2016.
2016	Roth JD. How Well Does Kinematically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty Prevent Clinically Important Changes in Passive Knee Function? An in Vitro Biomechanical Study of Tibiofemoral Laxities and Contact [PhD thesis]. Davis, University of California; 2016.
2001	Dunning CE. Development of a Motion-Controlled Testing Apparatus and Kinematic Techniques to Simulate and Describe Elbow Motion (development of Tools to Simulate and Describe Elbow Motion) [PhD thesis]. London, ON: University of Western Ontario; 2001.