The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American). 2006;88:2042-2048.
doi:10.2106/JBJS.E.00929
© 2006 The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc.
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Role of Peripatellar Retinaculum in Transmission of Forces Within the Extensor Mechanism

Christopher M. Powers, PhD, PT1, Yu-Jen Chen, MS, PT1, Shawn Farrokhi, DPT1 and Thay Q. Lee, PhD2

1 Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 155, Los Angeles, CA 90089. E-mail address for C.M. Powers: powers{at}usc.edu
2 Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822

Investigation performed at the Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California

In support of their research for or preparation of this manuscript, one or more of the authors received grants or outside funding from the Whitaker Foundation. None of the authors received payments or other benefits or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from a commercial entity. No commercial entity paid or directed, or agreed to pay or direct, any benefits to any research fund, foundation, educational institution, or other charitable or nonprofit organization with which the authors are affiliated or associated.

Background: The role of the peripatellar retinaculum as a frontal plane stabilizer of the patellofemoral joint has been well established. However, as a result of its unique orientation, the retinaculum also may influence the distribution of forces within the extensor mechanism. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which the peripatellar retinaculum affects the magnitude of forces experienced by the patellar tendon.

Methods: Ten cadaver knees were used in this investigation. Each was mounted on a custom test apparatus that was fixed to an Instron frame. The extensor mechanism was loaded by applying forces through the individual heads of the quadriceps femoris. Patellar tendon tension was measured at 0°, 20°, 40°, and 60° of knee flexion with use of a buckle transducer under two conditions: (1) with the peripatellar retinaculum intact, and (2) with the peripatellar retinaculum removed. Patellar tendon tension was compared between the two conditions across the knee flexion angles.

Results: At each knee flexion angle, the patellar tendon tension was greater with the retinaculum removed than it was with the retinaculum intact. However, the difference was significant only at 0° and 60°, at which positions the force transmitted to the patellar tendon was increased by 16.6% and 9.6%, respectively.

Conclusions: The observed increases in patellar tendon tension after removal of the peripatellar retinaculum is an indication of the load-sharing function of that structure as a part of the extensor mechanism.

Clinical Relevance: Our results suggest that compromise of the peripatellar retinaculum may alter patellar tendon and/or patellofemoral joint forces.


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