Magnetic Resonance Imaging of 3-Dimensional In Vivo Tibiofemoral Kinematics in Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Reconstructed Knees

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine 3-dimensional knee kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods

Nine ACL-reconstructed and contralateral knees were tested 12 ± 8 months after surgery. MRI was performed at full extension and 40° of knee flexion under simulated weight-bearing conditions. Femoral condyle positions, tibial rotation, contact area, and contact location were analyzed by use of MRI-based 3-dimensional models.

Results

When knees were fully extended, tibiae in ACL-reconstructed knees were externally rotated by 3.6° ± 4.2° compared with contralateral knees. The external rotation was due to anterior subluxation of the medial side of the tibia. At 40° of knee flexion, tibiae in ACL-reconstructed knees and contralateral knees were both internally rotated by 5.3°. There were no significant differences in contact area or contact location between ACL-reconstructed and contralateral knees. When moving from extension to flexion, ACL-reconstructed knees exhibited 3.5° ± 5.9° more internal tibial rotation than contralateral knees.

Conclusions

Reconstruction of the ACL restored normal motion on the lateral side of the knee but not on the medial side, resulting in increased internal tibial rotation when moving from full extension to 40° of flexion. These results suggest that ACL reconstruction does not restore normal kinematics on the medial side of the knee, which may lead to early cartilage degeneration.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Key Words: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Magnetic resonance imaging, Kinematics, Biomechanics, Internal tibial rotation, Arthrosis