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A novel tool for objective assessment of femorotibial rotation: a cadaver study

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Abstract

Traumatic rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee is one of the most frequent orthopaedic sports' injuries. However, the best operative reconstruction technique is still the focus of current discussions among experts. While single-bundle reconstruction primarily addresses anterior-posterior instability, the anatomical double-bundle reconstruction aims to stabilise anterior-posterior as well as rotational instability. So far no definite evidence to favour the one or the other technique exists due to the lack of an objective method for quantifying rotational knee stability. In this context several authors have recently reported on devices for the analysis of femorotibial rotation. However, most of these tools are still in the developmental stage. Therefore, the aim of this study was (1) to develop a new instrument for assessing rotational knee stability independent from the surrounding soft tissue with an adequate method of analysis and (2) to establish the possible field of application of this device in a human cadaver study. The so-called torsiometer evaluated was designed to assess internal and external knee joint rotation objectively in different flexion angles. Measurements were performed implying internal and external rotation at 90°, 30° and 0° knee flexion with and without intact ACL, respectively. Each measurement revealed valid and reproducible values. The restraint in ACL-absent knees was clearly lower and the course of rotation explicitly higher than in knee joints with intact ACL.

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Acknowledgements

This study has been supported by a grant from the Deutsche Arthrose-Hilfe e.V. (Frankfurt am Main, Germany).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Traumatology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany

    Philipp Ahrens

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany

    Chlodwig Kirchhoff & Rüdiger von Eisenhart-Rothe

  3. Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Nussbaumstrasse 26, 80336, Munich, Germany

    Florian Fischer

  4. Institute of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany

    Petra Heinrich

  5. Department of Orthopedic Sports Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Connollystrasse 32, 80809, Munich, Germany

    Stefan Hinterwimmer, Andreas B. Imhoff & Stefan G. F. Lorenz

  6. Institute of Clinical Radiology, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen – Campus Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Nussbaumstrasse 20, 80336, Munich, Germany

    Sonja Kirchhoff

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  1. Philipp Ahrens
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  2. Chlodwig Kirchhoff
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  9. Stefan G. F. Lorenz
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Correspondence to Chlodwig Kirchhoff.

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Ahrens, P., Kirchhoff, C., Fischer, F. et al. A novel tool for objective assessment of femorotibial rotation: a cadaver study. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 35, 1611–1620 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-010-1159-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-010-1159-5

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