Year: 1991
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The gait of normal subjects and patients with varus deformities at the knee was studied by analyzing the interaction between the dynamic (muscular) and passive (ligamentous) restraints affecting lateral stability of the knee. A statistically determinant model predicted that the midstance-phase adducting moment during normal gait would cause lateral knee joint opening if either antagonistic muscle force and/or pretension in the lateral soft tissues were not present at the knee. The patient group tended to compensate for a high midstance-phase adducting moment by walking with a style of gait that demanded more muscle force (greater flexion-extension moments). This walking style reduced the chance of lateral joint opening. It can be speculated that this style of gait would help to maintain equilibrium at the knee. The higher muscle force would aid in resisting the adducting moment, keeping the joint closed laterally and thus increasing the stability of the knee.
Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Research®
Authors: O. D. Schipplein, T. P. Andriacchi
Institution: Rush University Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2020787308