Morphology of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (An Anatomic Dissection Study

Anatomic attainment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to the femoral notch is not quite easily visible due to the synovial covering. There is no information on femoral attachment of ACL in Iranian population. Our aim is to study the topography of this ligament in a group of fresh cadavers. Ten fresh cadavers that were all younger than 50 years of age and had no evidence of trauma to or surgery on their knees were chosen for the study. The knees were dissected and the presence or absence of double ACL strands was evaluated. The ligaments were then taken off the femur and insertion sites were carefully studied and documented by digital photography. The distances were measured using a ruler. In 90º flexion with distal traction onto the ACL the ligament was like a twisted interwoven cord. The twist would decrease by releasing the traction or decreasing the knee bent. Two separate bundles (antero-medial and postero-lateral) were identified in 7 cadavers. In the 3 remaining ones in gross inspection and without dissection one could not recognize two separate bundles in the ACL’s. The femoral attachment sites were curve triangle or oblong. In cross-sectional however they were oblong. Anterior cruciate ligament could have both variable femoral attachment sites and also different bundle patterns in different individuals.