Kenji Shirakura

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Kenji Shirakura is a leading orthopedic researcher whose work focuses on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction biomechanics, particularly the critical interplay between graft placement and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) impingement. His most cited study, "PCL to graft impingement pressure after anatomical or non‐anatomical single‐bundle ACL reconstruction" (2011, 23 citations), provides foundational insights into how tibial and femoral tunnel positioning affects graft impingement pressure and knee stability. By systematically evaluating anatomical versus non-anatomical reconstruction techniques, Shirakura demonstrated that improper tunnel placement can create harmful PCL impingement, directly impacting surgical outcomes. This work has helped refine surgical guidelines for single-bundle ACL reconstruction, emphasizing the importance of restoring native knee kinematics. While his citation count reflects a focused, specialized contribution, the clinical relevance of his findings has made his research essential reading for sports medicine surgeons and biomechanics researchers. Shirakura’s meticulous approach to quantifying impingement pressure bridges the gap between surgical technique and patient recovery, offering measurable benchmarks for optimizing graft placement and reducing postoperative complications.