A Theoretical Analysis: The Mechanical Characteristics of the Patella,
Abstract
The authors have performed a theoretical static moment analysis of the knee joint, the quadriceps mechanism, and the patella. They have demonstrated that, theoretically, it should be impossible to extend the knee towards 180 degrees (maximum extension) against gravity and a theoretical ten pounds active resistive weight at the ankle joint because of the mechanics of the knee joint. They demonstrated that as the quadriceps mechanism lies on the anterior femoral condyle it would seem that, as the knee approached full extension, the line of pull of the quadriceps mechanism would approach 90 degrees to the moment at the tibial tubercule. In this analysis, the authors demonstrated why the patellectomized patient can indeed obtain full extension against gravity in an active resistive weight. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0740455
Entities
People
- Dane Miller
- Edward H. Miller
- Robert Kroll
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory