Symmetry in knee arthrokinematics in healthy collegiate athletes during fast running and drop jump

This study explored the symmetry in cartilage contact patterns between healthy knees during high-impact activities in collegiate athletes. Tibiofemoral kinematics were assessed during running and drop jump, revealing greater side-to-side differences in contact area during running compared to drop jump. However, the average side-to-side differences in contact location were minimal. These findings offer valuable insights into interpreting tibiofemoral arthrokinematics studies, suggesting that previously reported differences in ligament-repaired knees fall within the range observed in healthy athletes, while larger discrepancies occur in ACL deficiency or meniscectomy cases.