Measurement Validation of Navigation During the Pivot-Shift Test

Computer-assisted surgery systems have been used for both clinical and research applications. Specifically for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures, newer applications have focused on kinematic analysis rather than tunnel placement or isometry profiles. The surgeon, during a manual physical examination, lacks the ability to reliably quantify knee kinematics and laxity before, during, or after ACL reconstruction. A navigated knee laxity examination could potentially close the computed-assisted surgery treatment loop by providing quantitative feedback about various ACL reconstruction procedures. Recent iterations of navigated laxity examination include complex physical examinations, such as the pivot shift examination. This article explains measurement validation of knee laxity examinations with a navigation system.

Keywords: computer navigation, pivot shift, kinematics, knee, ACL