Dynamic Imaging of 3D Knee Kinematics using PC-VIPR

Robert Bradford¹, Kevin Johnson², Oliver Wieben², Darryl Thelen¹

Abnormal joint mechanics may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in individuals with prior knee injuries. We evaluated the potential to use 3D cine-PC VIPR sequence to directly measure knee kinematics. Cyclic, loaded knee flexion-extension was performed while 3D velocity images were collected. Velocity data were numerically integrated to track tibia and femur position and orientation. These kinematic data were coupled with segmented models to visualize knee joint motion and cartilage contact. The results are promising and will be used to assess how well knee reconstructive surgeries are able to restore normal mechanics and thereby mitigate the potential for osteoarthritis.