Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Gabriel Ortiz

Publication Date

7-1-2016

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to biomechanically compare the effectiveness of restoring stability to a deficient Posterolateral Corner (PLC) using two different PLC reconstruction techniques, Arceiro and LaPrade. Stabilization of the PLC is the outcome of three soft tissue structures: the Fibular Collateral Ligament (FCL), the Popliteofibular Ligament (PFL), and the Popliteus Tendon (PLT). For this study, these three structures were sectioned to simulate a deficient PLC. 10 paired fresh frozen lower extremity cadaveric specimens were used for experimentation. One limb from each pair was reconstructed using the LaPrade technique and the other with the Arciero technique using the Achilles tendon as graft material. A custom made testing fixture was created to isolate and test for a 10 Nm Varus Angulation (VA) moment and a 5 Nm External Rotation (ER) torque at 0, 20, 30, 60, and 90 degrees of flexion about the knee joint. Testing was performed in the following order: prior to PLC sectioning, post sectioning, post reconstruction, and post sectioning of either the tibiofibular ligament or the ACL. Five of the paired cadaveric specimens had their tibiofibular ligament sectioned, the remaining five specimens had their ACL's sectioned. Sectioning of the tibiofibular ligament or ACL was randomized to ensure that there was no repetition or bias during the study. We hypothesize that the LaPrade reconstruction will yield superior results because it attempts to simulate the repair of all three soft tissue structures whereas the Arciero technique aims repair of only the FCL and the PLT.

Keywords

Posterolateral Corner, Knee, Biomechanics

Degree Name

Mechanical Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Mechanical Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Schenck, Robert

Second Committee Member

Shen, Yu-Lin

Third Committee Member

Taha, Mahmoud

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS