Articular contact pressures in ten cadaveric knees with intact ligaments
were measured with the use of film and a model that simulated
non-weight-bearing resistive extension of the knee. The measurements were
repeated after sequential sectioning of the posterior cruciate ligament and
the posterolateral complex (the posterolateral capsule, the popliteus
muscle and tendon, and the lateral collateral ligament). Patellofemoral
pressures and quadriceps load were most significantly elevated after
combined sectioning of the posterior cruciate ligament and the
posterolateral complex. Medial compartment pressure was significantly
elevated after sectioning of the posterior cruciate ligament. The results
coincided with, and may partially explain, the clinical findings associated
with these types of ligamentous injuries.