Restoration of knee volume using selected arthroscopic releases.

Background: Inflammation and subsequent fibrosis, adhesions, or plicae may limit normal capsular compliance and decrease volume capacity of the knee.

Hypothesis: Patients with fibrosis, anterior interval scarring, adhesions, or palpable painful plicae will have decreased knee volumes when compared to controls, and selective arthroscopic releases will restore volume to normal levels.

Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study and cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Mechanics of the anterior interval of the knee using open dynamic MRI.

Background: The anterior interval of the knee has been defined as the space between the infrapatellar fat pad and patellar tendon anteriorly, and the anterior border of the tibia and the transverse meniscal ligament posteriorly. Investigation of the normal kinematics of this region is necessary as we begin to appreciate the significant impact that pathologic processes of the anterior interval have on the knee.

Methods: Non-weight bearing and weight bearing dynamic MRIs of 20 healthy knees were evaluated at 30 degrees intervals from 0 degrees to 120 degrees flexion.