Evaluation of anterior knee joint instability with the Rolimeter: A test in comparison with manual assessment and measuring with the KT-1000 arthrometer

Abstract

We report on a comparative measurement of anterior knee joint laxity on 30 healthy test subjects and 30 patients with anterior knee joint instability using a new knee testing device (Rolimeter) and the KT-1000 arthrometer compared to manual assessment of the anterior tibial translation in 30° flexion (Lachman's test). We wanted to establish the reliability of the Rolimeter device compared to manual assessment and to the KT-1000 arthrometer. The statistical evaluation by means of an analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 5% showed no significant difference in the exactitude of measurement between the Rolimeter and the KT-1000 arthrometer, but altogether a significant difference between both instrumental methods compared with manual assessment. Thus the Rolimeter provides an economic, exact and simply operating device for quantifying anterior knee joint instability.