Evaluation of stretching position by measurement of strain on the ilio-femoral ligaments: an in vitro simulation using trans-lumbar cadaver specimens.

The ilio-femoral ligament is known to cause flexion contracture of the hip joint. Stretching positioning is intended to elongate the ilio-femoral ligaments, however, no quantitative analysis to measure the effect of stretching positions on the ligament has yet been performed. Strains on the superior and inferior ilio-femoral ligaments in 8 fresh/frozen trans-lumbar cadaveric hip joints were measured using a displacement sensor, and the range of movement of the hip joints was recorded using a 3Space Magnetic Sensor. Reference length (L(0)) for each ligament was determined to measure strain on the ligaments. Hip positions at 10 degrees adduction with maximal external rotation, 20 degrees adduction with maximal external rotation, and maximal external rotation showed larger strain for the superior ilio-femoral ligament than the value obtained from L(0), and hip positions at 20 degrees external rotation with maximal extension and maximal extension had larger strain for the inferior ilio-femoral ligament than the value obtained from L(0) (p<0.05). Superior and inferior ilio-femoral ligaments exhibited positive strain values with specific stretching positions. Selective stretching for the ilio-femoral ligaments may contribute to achieve lengthening of the ligaments to treat flexion contracture of the hip joint.