Lateral radiographic study of the tibial sagital insertions of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of human anterior cruciate ligament

Abstract

Recently, the femoral attachments of anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have been extensively discussed, however, few publications have mentioned radiographic measurements of the tibial insertions of two bundles. The aim of this study is to determine the radiographic measurements of the tibial sagital insertions for anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundles of ACL. Thirty-one cadaveric proximal tibias were used. After identification of the AM and PL bundles insertion sites on the tibia, the insertion center and the other anatomic landmarks were marked with a lead pin, and lateral radiographs were taken. Sagital percentage is a percentage of the location of the insertion point calculated from the anterior margin of the tibia in the anteroposterior direction. Anterior edge of ACL averaged 25.0%, center of AM averaged 34.6%, center of PL averaged 38.4%, posterior edge of ACL averaged 50.2%. This study defines the radiographic location of the tibial insertions of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of ACL. This contributes to more precise evaluation of anatomical double bundle ACL reconstruction surgery postoperatively.