Journal of Biomechanics
Volume 42, Issue 14 , Pages 2323-2329, 16 October 2009

The structural properties of the lateral retinaculum and capsular complex of the knee

  • Azhar M. Merican

      Affiliations

    • Musculoskeletal Surgery Department, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
    • University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia
    • ,
  • Sanjay Sanghavi

      Affiliations

    • Biomechanics Section, Mechanical Engineering Department, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
    • ,
  • Farhad Iranpour

      Affiliations

    • Musculoskeletal Surgery Department, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
    • ,
  • Andrew A. Amis

      Affiliations

    • Musculoskeletal Surgery Department, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
    • Biomechanics Section, Mechanical Engineering Department, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author at: Biomechanics Section, Mechanical Engineering Department, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK. Tel.: +442075947062.

Accepted 15 June 2009. published online 03 August 2009.

Abstract 

Although lateral retinacular releases are not uncommon, there is very little scientific knowledge about the properties of these tissues, on which to base a rationale for the surgery. We hypothesised that we could identify specific tissue bands and measure their structural properties. Eight fresh-frozen knees were dissected, and the lateral soft tissues prepared into three distinct structures: a broad tissue band linking the iliotibial band (ITB) to the patella, and two capsular ligaments: patellofemoral and patellomeniscal. These were individually tensile tested to failure by gripping the patella in a vice jaw and the soft tissues in a freezing clamp. Results: the ITB–patellar band was strongest, at a mean of 582N, and stiffest, at 97N/mm. The patellofemoral ligament failed at 172N with 16N/mm stiffness; the patellomeniscal ligament failed at 85N, with 13N/mm stiffness. These structural properties suggest that most of the load in-vivo is transmitted to the patella by the transverse fibres that originate from the ITB.

Keywords: Patella, Patellofemoral joint, Strength, Structural properties, Lateral retinaculum, Iliotibial band

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PII: S0021-9290(09)00366-2

doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.06.049

Journal of Biomechanics
Volume 42, Issue 14 , Pages 2323-2329, 16 October 2009

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