Abstract
Five normal adult cadaveric knees were prepared and mounted in a loading frame permitting a full range of motion under a constant quadriceps force. Strain over the anterior patella was plotted versus flexion angle, before and after capsulotomy, and after each of a series of arthroplasties. Three component systems, the Robert Brigham Total Condylar, the Total Condylar 1, and the Insall Burstein Posterior Stabilized Total Condylar Knee Prosthesis were serially implanted in each knee. Strains in the Robert Brigham were recorded both before and after sectioning of the posterior cruciate ligament. All components produced a significantly higher strain than in the intact knee, and peak strains were seen at the extremes of flexion in all components. Total Condylar 1 system yielded the highest strain throughout the range of motion. Over the functional range of motion the Robert Brigham component produced the lowest strains. Sectioning the PCL made no difference in anterior patellar strain in the Robert Brigham knee.