A bioengineering analysis of force actions at the knee in normal and pathological gait.

The paper describes a simplified bioengineering analysis for the determination of force actions at the knee joint for normal and pathological gaits. The stance phase of the gait cycle only is considered, and gravitational and inertia forces are excluded from the analysis. The anatomical and functional assumptions required for analysis are discussed. Force actions transmitted at the knee joint by the bearing surfaces, muscles and ligaments for normal individuals are presented with reference to magnitude and phasic relationship for the activity of level walking. Bearing loads transmitted at the knee joints of pathological limbs are also discussed.