Multi-axial joint laxity testing apparatus and method

A system for knee joint laxity testing, the system comprising:

• a knee joint laxity testing apparatus engageable with a person's knee, the knee joint laxity testing apparatus comprising
• a base comprising a proximal end and a distal end opposed to the proximal end,
• a thigh cradle assembly mounted to the base adjacent the proximal end,
• a U-bar assembly mounted to the base distally to the thigh cradle assembly,
• wherein the U-bar assembly comprises two vertical bars each having a first end affixed to the base in a stationary position and a second end extending away from the base, a base member configured to span the two vertical bars, and two height adjustment clamps, wherein each of the two height adjustment clamps are disposed adjacent one of opposed lateral ends of the base member and configured to slidably engage one of the two vertical bars such that the base member can slidably move relative to and along a length of the two vertical bars between the first end and second end thereof,
• a shank cradle assembly disposed distally to the U-bar assembly along the base,
• wherein the shank cradle assembly comprises a contoured shank cradle having a concave top surface configured to contact a calf of a leg, and an opposed bottom surface, and wherein the shank cradle assembly further comprises a linear actuator having a selectively movable action end attached to the bottom surface of the shank cradle and a bottom end, opposite to the action end, affixed to the base such that the linear actuator is vertically aligned between a portion of the base and a portion of the shank cradle and a line perpendicular to the base extends through the concave top surface and bottom surface of the shank cradle and selectively movable action end of the linear actuator, and
• a heel cradle assembly mounted to the base distally to and separately from the shank cradle assembly,
• wherein the knee joint laxity testing apparatus is configured to measure knee laxity values in three planes of motion;
• a controller coupled to the knee joint laxity testing apparatus, the controller configured to receive the measured knee laxity values in three planes of motion;
• and
• the controller further configured to display, on a user interface of a computing device, the measured knee laxity values in three planes of motion.