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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy

Published in:

01-01-2017 | Knee

The anterior cruciate ligament: a study on its bony and soft tissue anatomy using novel 3D CT technology

Authors: Thomas Tampere, Tom Van Hoof, Michiel Cromheecke, Hans Van der Bracht, Jorge Chahla, Peter Verdonk, Jan Victor

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to visualize both the tibial and femoral bony insertion surfaces and second, to describe the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) geometrically, using novel 3D CT imaging. In addition, new concepts of best-fit cylinder and central axis are introduced and evaluated.

Methods

Eight unpaired knees of embalmed cadavers were used in this study. Following the dissection process, the ACL was injected with a contrast medium for CT imaging. The obtained CT images in extension, 45°, 90° and full flexion were segmented and rendered in 3D allowing morphological and morphometric analysis of the ACL. Anatomical footprint centres, femoral and tibial footprint surface area, best-fit ACL-cylinder intersection area, best-fit ACL-cylinder/footprint coverage ratio, best-fit ACL-cylinder central axis projections at the tibial and femoral footprint in the four positions were used to describe the anatomy of the ACL, based on the Bernard, Hertel and Amis grid.

Results

Based on these parameters, with the best-fit cylinder representing the bulk of the ACL, a changing fibre-recruitment pattern was seen with a moving position of the central axis from posterior to anterior on the femoral and tibial footprint, going from extension to flexion. Furthermore, the numerical data show an increase in tibial footprint coverage by the best-fit cylinder through the ACL when the knee is progressively flexed, whereas an inverse relationship was seen on the femoral side.

Conclusion

This study is the first to describe the detailed anatomy of the human ACL with respect to its course and footprints using a 3D approach. It confirms the large difference and inter-patient variability between the tibial and femoral footprint area with the former being significantly smaller. The best-fit cylinder concept illustrates the recruitment pattern of the native ACL where in extension the postero-lateral fibres are recruited and in flexion rather the antero-medial bundle, which can be valuable information in reconstructive purposes. The best-fit cylinder and central axis concept offers additional insights into the optimal tunnel placement at the tibial and femoral footprint in order to cover the largest portion of the native ACL soft tissue, aiming for optimal ACL reconstruction.

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Title: The anterior cruciate ligament: a study on its bony and soft tissue anatomy using novel 3D CT technology
Authors: Thomas Tampere
Tom Van Hoof
Michiel Cromheecke
Hans Van der Bracht
Jorge Chahla
Peter Verdonk
Jan Victor
Publication date: 01-01-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-016-4310-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The anterior cruciate ligament: a study on its bony and soft tissue anatomy using novel 3D CT technology

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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