title: Clinical laxity tests and functional stability of the knee: biomechanical concepts.
abstract: Biomechanical studies show one or 2 ligaments provide the primary passive restraint for each plane of knee stability with the remaining ligaments having a secondary helping role. Correct interpretation of clinical laxity tests and surgical treatment of instability requires this subdivision. Functional stability of the knee is a primary treatment goal after ligament injury, but is too often short-term, relying on muscle control alone without the fine-tuning action of the ligamentous system. If there is abnormal laxity on the clinical examination, there is an increased risk for joint wear, cartilage deterioration and arthritis on a long-term basis.
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control