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Erschienen in:
01.11.2012 | Knee
Objective evaluation of anterior knee laxity; comparison of the KT-1000 and GNRB® arthrometers
Erschienen in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Ausgabe 11/2012
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Purpose
Accurate measurement of laxity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is usually performed with the KT-1000 arthrometer, and reproducibility and reliability are discussed. A new arthrometer, the GNRB®, has been recently developed in an attempt to improve intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility. The aim of this diagnostic study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility of the GNRB® and the KT-1000.
Methods
Three protocols were designed to evaluate and compare the two arthrometers. Fifteen physiotherapists conducted tests on 15 subjects with healthy knees. The intra- and inter-reproducibility of the two tests were compared by analysis of variance and the F-test.
Results
Measure reproducibility was significantly worst with the KT-1000 than with the GNRB® (machine effect, P < 0.001) regardless of operator experience. There was no significant difference between experienced and inexperienced examiners with the GNRB® (no ‘examiners effect’). Regardless of the machine, there was a ‘side effect’ with healthy knees.
Conclusion
This clinical study demonstrates the superior intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility of the GNRB® over the KT-1000. There appears to be some technological advantages to using the GNRB® including pressure control of the patella, accuracy of the displacement transducer, control of the load on the calf, and control of hamstring activity.
Level of evidence
Diagnostic study, Level I.