Posterior cruciate ligament femoral insertion site characteristics. Importance for reconstructive procedures.
BACKGROUND
Previous descriptions of the insertion site of the posterior cruciate ligament are inadequate.


OBJECTIVE
More than one reference system is required to adequately represent the anatomy of the femoral attachment.


METHODS
Descriptive anatomic study.


METHODS
Twelve cadaveric specimens were evaluated by using two measurement methods relative to the femoral articular cartilage margin and two methods relative to the intercondylar femoral roof.


RESULTS
Reference lines perpendicular to the articular cartilage best defined the 12- and 1-o'clock positions, and those perpendicular to the articular cartilage or parallel to the femoral shaft best defined the 2-, 3-, and 4-o'clock positions. The angle of the proximal attachment to the roof was 88 degrees +/- 5.5 degrees. The posterior cruciate ligament was a continuum of fibers rather than two distinct bundles, and its attachment showed variability in shape and thickness, extending past the midline in the notch (11:21 +/- 15 minutes to 4:12 +/- 20 minutes, right knee).


CONCLUSIONS
More than one measurement system is required to accurately describe the femoral origin of the posterior cruciate ligament.


CONCLUSIONS
Accurate assessment of the anatomy is crucial for successful surgical reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament femoral attachment.
Mejia
Etienne A
EA
Cincinnati Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Center and the Noyes Biomechanics Laboratories, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, USA.
Noyes
Frank R
FR
Grood
Edward S
ES
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000592:standards; D016119:Posterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012015:Reference Standards