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In vitro biomechanical evaluation of fibular movement in below knee amputations
Author(s) -
Asa Benjamin,
Wilson Tim,
Payne Mike,
Dunning Cynthia,
Burkhart Tim
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.749.12
Subject(s) - cadaveric spasm , fibula , biceps , displacement (psychology) , tibia , kinematics , orthodontics , biomechanics , anatomy , biceps femoris muscle , medicine , interosseous membrane , physics , forearm , psychology , classical mechanics , psychotherapist
Background In below knee amputations (BKA), the tibia and fibula may be subjected to intrinsic and extrinsic forces resulting in fibular rotation and abduction, impeding ambulation. We investigated the effect of biceps femoris muscle tension and interosseous membrane (IOM) integrity on fibular kinematics in two BKA lengths. We hypothesize the stabilizing role of the IOM will be decreased in shorter amputations, and therefore, fibular movement will occur more readily. Methods Two cadaveric specimens, disarticulated at the knee, were amputated at 5 and 10cm lengths. Tibiae were mounted in a material testing machine and biceps femoris tendons (BFT) were sutured to the actuator. A cyclical loading pattern applied displacement‐dependent tensile forces (initial displacement of 3mm for 100 cycles @1Hz with increments of 1mm) to the BFT. The three‐dimensional kinematics of the tibia with respect to the fibula were measured. To evaluate the role of the IOM, the aforementioned procedure was repeated on specimens with a sectioned IOM. Results The 10cm BKA required more force than the 5cm BKA in the 100 th cycle at each incremental displacement block, presumably due to decreased fibular movement. However, this difference is predicted to be negated when the IOM is sectioned. Conclusion Understanding the cause of fibular abduction in BKA will lead to recommendations for preventive surgical and rehabilitative measures. Grant Funding Source : Departmental