Kinematic analysis of a posterior cruciate retaining mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Using video fluoroscopy, 10 subjects having a mobile-bearing posterior cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty were analyzed to determine their in vivo kinematic patterns. Under weight-bearing conditions, while in extension, the average contact position was posterior to the mid-tibia sagittal plane with posterior translation of both condyles to 60° of flexion, followed by anterior translation to 120° of flexion. Under non-weight-bearing conditions, the average condylar contact positions were significantly more anterior from full extension to 90° of knee flexion (P=.01). The average range of motion was 129° under non-weight-bearing conditions and 119° during weight-bearing. Although subjects in this study exhibited variable motion patterns, they are accommodated by the unconstrained optimized articulation of this highly conforming mobile-bearing implant.