In vitro kinematics of the replaced knee

Important information on knee kinematics can be obtained using in vitro methods. Specifically, mounting a cadaver lower extremity on an Oxford knee jig allows loading of the knee joint and makes it possible to observe physiological motion. This approach can provide a detailed description of the displacements and rotations of the patella, femur, and tibia, and direct measurement of load at both the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral articulations. Using this approach, the two-axis description of tibiofemoral kinematics has been advanced. Another application of this method describes lower patellofemoral contact forces when a more posterior femorotibial contact point is present after total knee arthroplasty. This kinematic information is useful when considering new designs in knee arthroplasty.