Knee joint analysis for optimal ligament surgical reconstruction using three dimensional motion model

Anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) is liable to a major injury that often results in a functional impairment requiring surgical reconstruction. The success of reconstruction depends on such factors as attachment positions, initial tension of ligament and surgical methods of fixation. The purpose of this study is to find isometric positions of the substitute during flexion/extension. A three-dimensional knee model was constructed from CT images and was used to simulate length change during knee flexion/extension. The results showed that minimum length changes were 1.9 similar to 5.8 mm(average 3.6 +/- 1.4 mm). The proposed method can be utilized and applied to optimal reconstruction for ACL deficient knee.