Use of spatial motion of the femorotibial joint for the alignment of knee braces

Stimulated by investigations on the kinematics of the hu man knee joint conducted during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, we have determined the spatial motion of this articulation, describing it by mea ns of the helical axis concept, as obtained with the assistance of modern toots, As expected, there are similarities with the results of other recent investigators. Some details of the photogrammetrical method employed are unique. We have now related our findings to unsolved problems in orthotics and prosthetics. The presentation also describes a technique to align the movement of a brace with that of the knee joint. This work serves as a basis on which criteria for the fitting of braces could be determined.