A master thesis from Aalborg University
A six degrees of freedom arthrometer for examination of knee joint laxity
[Et artrometer med seks frihedsgrader til undersøgelse af slaphed i knæleddet]
Term
4. semester
Education
Publication year
2017
Submitted on
2017-06-07
Pages
75 pages
Abstract
Introduction: Knee joint laxity may cause knee instability and is associated with the risk of knee injuries. Injuries increase the probability to develop subsequent conditions such as osteoarthritis. The current methods of measurements have several limitations, including non-quantiable measures and one-dimensionality. The aim of the current thesis was to develop an arthrometer with six degrees-of-freedom to assist examination of static knee joint laxity. Methods: The arthrometer consists of a top and bottom platform linked with six linear actuators to provide the required mobility. Simulations of the length and size were conducted in the AnyBody Modelling System while the durability of the top platform was assessed through a nite element analysis in SolidWorks. A simplied motion capture test was performed to verify the range of motion (ROM) of the arthrometer compared to the highest laxity values found in the current literature. The ROM was tested by manually positioning the arthrometers in the end positions during three dierent examinations i.e. anterior-posterior (AP) translation, varus-valgus (VV) rotation, and internal-external (IE) rotation. Results: The maximum AP translation, VV rotation, and IE rotation were found to be 383.41 mm, 18.97 degrees, and 90.17 degrees, respectively. Discussion: The arthrometer presented has the potential to stress individual ligaments in the knee joint, hence assist the examination of static knee joint laxity. Furthermore, it provides the opportunity to combine movements and forces in multiple planes.
Keywords
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