Biomechanics and Motion Analysis

Repeatability of X-Ray, MRI and Gait Analysis

Principal Investigator: Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator: Christine Hughes — hughes.christine@mayo.edu

Figure 31: (left) Knee joint radiograph
Figure 32: (right) Knee MRI

The reproducibility of quantitative gait analysis measurements, knee x-rays and MRI are an important consideration when analyzing data of both normal subjects and patients. This study was done in order to assess the repeatability and validity of these measurement techniques over a one-week assessment interval. Selected characteristics of gait, such as temporal distance parameters (velocity, cadence, stride length, single and double limb support time), and hip, knee and ankle kinetics and kinematics were studied prospectively. Weight-bearing anterior/posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs were taken with the knee flexed on two different dates to determine the reproducibility of the knee flexion position and evaluate the consistency of joint space measurements (Figure 31). Finally, cartilage thickness measurements were analyzed using MRI (Figure 32).