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The biomechanical function of the patellar tendon during in-vivo weight-bearing flexion.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Defrate, LE; Nha, KW; Papannagari, R; Moses, JM; Gill, TJ; Li, G
Published in: J Biomech
2007

Few studies have investigated the function of the patellar tendon in-vivo. This study quantified the three-dimensional (3D) kinematics of the patellar tendon during weight-bearing flexion. Eleven subjects were imaged using magnetic resonance (MR). Sagittal plane images were outlined to create a 3D model of the patella, tibia, and femur and included the attachment sites of the patellar tendon. Each attachment site was divided into central, medial, and lateral thirds. Next, the subjects were imaged using fluoroscopy from two orthogonal directions while performing a single-leg lunge. The models and fluoroscopic images were used to reproduce the motion of the patella, tibia, and femur. The apparent elongation, sagittal plane angle, and coronal plane angle of each third of the patellar tendon were measured from the relative motion of the attachment sites. All three portions of the patellar tendon deformed similarly with flexion. The length of the patellar tendon significantly from full extension to 30 degrees . From 30 degrees -110 degrees , no significant change in the length of the patellar tendon was observed. The patellar tendon was oriented anteriorly at flexion angles less than 60 degrees and posteriorly thereafter. From full extension to 60 degrees , the medial orientation of the patellar tendon decreased significantly with flexion. These data may have important implications for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon autografts and for the design of rehabilitation regimens for patients of patellar tendon repair.

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Published In

J Biomech

DOI

ISSN

0021-9290

Publication Date

2007

Volume

40

Issue

8

Start / End Page

1716 / 1722

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Weight-Bearing
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Patellar Ligament
  • Models, Biological
  • Male
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Knee Joint
  • Humans
  • Female
 

Citation

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Defrate, L. E., Nha, K. W., Papannagari, R., Moses, J. M., Gill, T. J., & Li, G. (2007). The biomechanical function of the patellar tendon during in-vivo weight-bearing flexion. J Biomech, 40(8), 1716–1722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2006.08.009
Defrate, Louis E., Kyung Wook Nha, Ramprasad Papannagari, Jeremy M. Moses, Thomas J. Gill, and Guoan Li. “The biomechanical function of the patellar tendon during in-vivo weight-bearing flexion.J Biomech 40, no. 8 (2007): 1716–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2006.08.009.
Defrate LE, Nha KW, Papannagari R, Moses JM, Gill TJ, Li G. The biomechanical function of the patellar tendon during in-vivo weight-bearing flexion. J Biomech. 2007;40(8):1716–22.
Defrate, Louis E., et al. “The biomechanical function of the patellar tendon during in-vivo weight-bearing flexion.J Biomech, vol. 40, no. 8, 2007, pp. 1716–22. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2006.08.009.
Defrate LE, Nha KW, Papannagari R, Moses JM, Gill TJ, Li G. The biomechanical function of the patellar tendon during in-vivo weight-bearing flexion. J Biomech. 2007;40(8):1716–1722.
Journal cover image

Published In

J Biomech

DOI

ISSN

0021-9290

Publication Date

2007

Volume

40

Issue

8

Start / End Page

1716 / 1722

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Weight-Bearing
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Patellar Ligament
  • Models, Biological
  • Male
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Knee Joint
  • Humans
  • Female