Multiplanar Loading of the Knee and Its Influence on Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Medial Collateral Ligament Strain During Simulated Landings and Noncontact Tears

Abstract

Knee abduction moment may be the predominant precursor to ACL injury and concomitant MCL injury. As knee abduction occurs within the frontal plane, primary preventative focus should incorporate reduction of frontal plane knee loading in landing and cutting tasks, but secondary reduction of transverse plane loading could further increase intervention efficacy. Constraint of motion in these planes should restrict peak ACL strain magnitudes during athletic performance.