Validation of the thigh stabilization system for a novel multi-planar instrumented knee arthrometer

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
James Avery Coppock (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Randy Schmitz

Abstract: Knee joint laxity characterizes the structural proprieties of the connective tissues and supporting structures within the knee joint. In the past, knee joint laxity has been measured subjectively by clinicians who assess joint integrity through manual manipulation of the joint. More recently however, instrumented knee arthrometers have provided clinicians and researchers alike with objective measures of knee joint laxity. To this end, arthrometry has become an important tool for use in to characterizing knee joint laxity and how it differs across broad populations. Despite the many technological advances in instrumented knee arthrometry over the past three decades, there are still significant issues with the reliability, and generalizability of these measurements. These issues inhibit our understanding of how knee joint integrity changes in response to joint insult and hormonal fluctuations. Therefore, a novel instrumented arthrometer must be developed to specifically address these deficiencies. To this end, this thesis examines and discusses the gaps in current instrumented arthrometry. Furthermore, it proposes a solution to address a key measurement issue associated with thigh segment stabilization and attempts to validate this solution via a stabilization study utilizing cadaveric specimens. The evidence presented herein suggests that, while the a priori benchmarks for this study were not completely met, the stabilization system was clearly able to provide sufficient stability such that an arthrometric assessment of the joint could be repeatedly administered. Moreover, with minor changes to the current stabilization system it may be entirely possible to obtain truly generalizable and highly repeatable arthrometric evaluations.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2019
Keywords
ACL, Arthrometer, Knee, Knee joint laxity, Laxity, Ligament
Subjects
Joints $x Hypermobility
Anterior cruciate ligament

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