The KT2000 is an instrument used for objectively measuring anterior translation of the tibia in patients with anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency or after ACL reconstruction.
Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
KT2000 arthrometer being used in a child (permission Prof Adrian Wilson). The KT1000 is also a popular arthrometer.
What is anterior translation?
Anterior translation is the forwards movement of the tibia when the knee is supported at a 90 degree angle and the cupped hands of the examiner pull the tibia forwards.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"....The anterior translation of tibia in relation to the femur (ATT) is a reliable secondary sign of ACL tear which is akin to the clinical anterior drawer test...."
Citation: Saad A, Waldron D, Iqbal A, Evans S, Panchal H, James S, Davies M, Botchu R. Anterior translation of the tibia in relation to femur in mucoid degeneration of ACL - An observational study. J Orthop. 2020 Feb 4;18:240-243. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2020.02.005. PMID: 32071511; PMCID: PMC7013240.
Arthrometers and objective measurement
The KT2000 instrument is an arthrometer, which simply means a 'joint measurer'. Its value is in providing an objective measurement of the laxity of the anterior cruciate ligament independent of the examiner....
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"...the KT series is the existing arthrometry gold standard..."
Citation: Rohman EM, Macalena JA. Anterior cruciate ligament assessment using arthrometry and stress imaging. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016 Jun;9(2):130-8. doi: 10.1007/s12178-016-9331-1. PMID: 26984335; PMCID: PMC4896874.