Flat ACL anatomy: fact no fiction

Excerpt

In 1836 Wilhelm and Eduard Weber published their detailed work on the anatomy and physiology of the lower extremity (Fig. 1) [25]. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was shown to be flat in extension, twisted in flexion and aligned with the posterior femoral cortex. Nearly 100 years later (but also 100 years ago!), exactly in 1921 two French anatomists named Testut and Jacob described the flat ACL midsubstance and the close relationship between the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus and the tibial ACL insertion (Fig. 2) [24]. They beautifully showed that the bony insertion of the anterior root of the lateral meniscus was just posterior to the ACL insertion in the area intercondylaris anterior. No bundles have been drawn.

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