Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Niccolo N. Fiorentino

Abstract

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a long-term outcome following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. PTOA is defined by pain limitations during movement and the degeneration of articular cartilage. This study aimed to investigate side-to-side differences in arthrokinematics and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) in patients who underwent ACLR with meniscal surgery. Nine participants who had undergone ACLR surgery with meniscal repair and/or partial meniscectomy were included in this study. Arthrokinematic analysis was performed during walking and jogging activities. qMRI measurements, including T1ρ and T2* relaxation times, were assessed to evaluate cartilage composition. qMRI measurements were acquired with patients laying supine in the MR scanner without an external load applied, as is performed normally, and while a MR-compatible device applied an axial load equivalent to 50% of body weight. The results showed posterior shifts in contact locations during walking, increased cartilage overlap during walking and jogging, and higher sliding velocities in the posterior direction in the injured knee compared to the uninjured knee. The qMRI analysis revealed increased T1ρ, decreased loaded T2* relaxation times and the higher effect of load in the injured knees. These findings contribute to our understanding of the effects of ACLR surgery on arthrokinematics and cartilage composition.

Language

en

Number of Pages

42 p.

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Biomechanics Commons

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