Anatomy - Biomechanics - Novel imaging of the native PCL

Abstract

The PCL is considered an intra-articular and extra-synovial structure and its dimensions have been well described. Its length is 32-38 mm with a cross-sectional area of 11 mm 2, and the bony insertion sites are three times larger than its mid-substance [11]. The average area of the femoral footprint of the anterolateral (AL) bundle is 118 ± 23.95 and of the posteromedial (PM) bundle is 90 ± 16.13 [23]. The distance from the medial articular cartilage has been found at 13 mm posteriorly and inferiorly [33]. The average area of the tibial footprint of the AL bundle is 93.1 ± 16.6 and of the PM bundle is 150.8 ± 31 [48]. The distance from the medial articular cartilage has been found at 8 mm posteriorly and 20 mm inferiorly. Both bundles insert as a unique tendon on the posterior aspect of the tibia approximately 1-1.5 cm distal to the joint line and their centre is located, medial to lateral, 48 % of the width of the tibial plateau [8].