[Experimental studies on the pathophysiology of knee ligament lesions (author's transl)].

The cruciates and the collateral ligaments of the knee compare well with a crossed four-joint chain. In surgery of the ligamentous lesions of the knee it is essential to reinsert the ligaments exactly at their anatomic position. Studies of cadaver knees have demonstrated that the medial collateral ligament ensures medial rotational stability to a greater degree than the meniscofemoral and meniscotibial bands. In every stage of medial and anterior ligamentous lesions, external rotation in 90 degrees of flexion shows the same amount of anterior laxity of the medial tibial condyle as the test of Slocum. In contrast to Nicholas the pivot point in anteromedial complex instability is situated posterolaterally.