Length Difference of Anteromedial and Posterolateral Bundles of Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Flexion and Extension (Cadaver Study)

Abstract

We aimed to measure lengths of both anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundles of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in flexion and extension, and analyse statistically. 20 knees of 10 human cadavers were studied in Republic of Turkey Ministry Of Justice Forensic Medicine Institute. All the subjects were male (100%). An anterior longitudinal incision was made and After passing subcutaneous tissue, knee joint was visualized with a medial parapatellar approach. Lengths of both AM and PL bundles of ACL in flexion and extension were measured in millimetres with flexible ruler scale. Data was analysed statistically. Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. Mean age was 46.5 (32-62). A statistically significant difference was seen in lengths of both AM and PL bundles of ACL in flexion and extension (p<0.05). Difference in lengths of bundles of AM and PL in flexion and extension is statistically significant. Whereas, any statistical difference was not noted in comparison of length differences among bundles during flexion and extension (z=0.085, p=0.932). Difference in lengths' of bundles of AM and PL in flexion and extension was seen statistically significant in our study. In single-bundle technique, only AM bundle of ACL is reconstructed. Besides, both AM and PL bundles of ACL are reconstructed in double-bundle technique. AM and PL bundles have distinct features and lengths in different flexion degrees. We emphasize to review this entity while determining reconstruction technique for ACL-deficient patients.