Article

Repetitive kneeling in certain occupations, hobbies and cultures is
associated with tibiofemoral joint osteoarthritis. The biomechanics of kneeling
is therefore of interest. This cadaveric study investigated tibiofemoral joint
contact areas, pressures, and kinematics in response to kneeling. METHODS: Five
human cadaveric knees were subjected to simulated kneeling at flexion angles of
90 degrees , 105 degrees , 120 degrees , and 135 degrees . Different anterior
forces were applied to the knee to simulate crouching (no force), double stance
kneeling (339N of force), and single stance kneeling (678N of force).
Tibiofemoral joint kinematics, contact areas, and pressures were measured.
FINDINGS: Kneeling produced tibial posterior translation and external rotation.
Posterior translation was significantly less at 90 degrees than at higher flexion
angles (P<0.05). Posterior translation and external rotation were significantly
greater moving from crouching to double stance kneeling when compared to moving
from double to single stance kneeling (P<0.05). Double and single stance kneeling
increased contact areas and pressures significantly when compared to crouching
(P<0.05). Pressures also increased significantly moving from double to single
stance kneeling (P<0.05). INTERPRETATION: Kneeling produces less tibial posterior
translation at 90 degrees than at higher flexion angles primarily due to
posterior cruciate ligament biomechanics. Tibial external rotation results from
posterior cruciate ligament biomechanics and differences between medial and
lateral compartment anatomy. Different anatomical constraints allow significantly
less posterior translation and external rotation moving from double to single
stance kneeling is a result of increased pressure with kneeling likely
contributes to the development of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, and single stance
kneeling may be more deleterious than double stance kneeling.
CI - Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Langue : ANGLAIS