This 1976 cadaveric study by Markolf et al. used instrumented testing of 35 normal knees across six flexion angles to quantify how each ligamentous structure — ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL, posterior capsule, and menisci — individually and in combination contributes to knee stiffness and laxity in anterior-posterior, varus-valgus, and torsional planes.
This classic biomechanical study provides the scientific rationale for clinical examination techniques and explains why ACL tears cause anterior instability in extension while PCL tears are more apparent in flexion.
This 1976 cadaveric study by Markolf et al. used instrumented testing of 35 normal knees across six flexion angles to quantify how each ligamentous structure — ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL, posterior capsule, and menisci — individually and in combination contributes to knee stiffness and laxity in anterior-posterior, varus-valgus, and torsional planes.
This classic biomechanical study provides the scientific rationale for clinical examination techniques and explains why ACL tears cause anterior instability in extension while PCL tears are more apparent in flexion.