Effect of the posterior cruciate ligament on posterior stability of the knee in high flexion

J Biomech. 2004 May;37(5):779-83. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2003.09.031.

Abstract

Most biomechanical studies of the knee have focused on knee flexion angles between 0 degrees and 120 degrees. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) has been shown to constrain posterior laxity of the knee in this range of flexion. However, little is known about PCL function in higher flexion angles (greater than 120 degrees ). This in vitro study examined knee kinematics before and after cutting the PCL at high flexion under a posterior tibial load and various muscle loads. The results demonstrated that although the PCL plays an important role in constraining posterior tibial translation at low flexion angles, the PCL had little effect in constraining tibial translation at 150 degrees of flexion under the applied loads.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cadaver
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Joint Instability
  • Knee Joint / physiopathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement*
  • Muscle Contraction*
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / injuries*
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / physiology
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / physiopathology*
  • Postural Balance*
  • Posture*
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Weight-Bearing