MRI Assessment of Knee Kinematics From Extension to Flexion - Exploratory Study

MRI Assessment of Knee Kinematics From Extension to Flexion - Exploratory Study

During flexion of the knee, internal rotation of the tibia associated with translation of the tibial plateaus in relation to the femoral condyles is automatically induced. This mechanism combines a sliding phenomenon and a rolling phenomenon of the condyles on the plate, the latter being known as 'roll-back'. In 2024, imaging analyses of the knee, and in particular MRI, are carried out with the leg in extension.

MRI of the knee at different degrees of flexion would enable to assess the sliding and roll-back phenomena, in order to gain a better understanding of knee kinematics.

However, MRI of the knee at different degrees of flexion is limited by the size of the MRI machines and especially by the knee antennae, which are narrow and do not allow flexion beyond 30°. In this context, the only solution for carrying out an MRI study on knees in flexion would be to carry out this examination with an antenna that allows the knee to be positioned at different angles of flexion. This particular type of antenna only exists in veterinary schools, where they are used in particular for horses.

Consequently, this study is based on the assumption that the kinematics of the knee can be assessed using MRI with an antenna for veterinary use.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy volunteers (no damage to either knee)
• Male or female, aged between 18 and 40
• Healthy volunteer affiliated to or benefiting from a social security scheme
• A healthy French-speaking volunteer who has signed an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindication to MRI
• Joint osteoarthritis
• BMI > 30
• Previous trauma or surgery to the knee
• Recurrence of sprains
• Knee trauma other than sprain
• Protected person: adult under guardianship, curatorship or other legal protection, deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision.
• Pregnant or breast-feeding woman