The areas of contact pressure in the patello-femoral joint.

The development of damage to the articular cartilage of the patello-femoral joint depends on many factors. Pathological distribution of pressure in the joint may be one such cause. Direct measurement is required to clarify the question of low and high pressure in this joint. A pressure measuring plate has been made in the form of an air cushion which enables the measurement both of pressure and contact area in the knee joint. Tests using three cadaver knee joints and the results are described.