Biomechanical Analysis of an Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The focus of most anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions has been on replacing the anteromedial bundle and not the posterolateral bundle. HYPOTHESIS: Anatomic two-bundle reconstruction restores knee kinematics more closely to normal than does single-bundle reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study.

Ten cadaveric knees were subjected to external loading conditions: 1) a 134-N anterior tibial load and 2) a combined rotatory load of 5-N x m internal tibial torque and 10-N x m valgus torque. Resulting knee kinematics and in situ force in the anterior cruciate ligament or replacement graft were determined by using a robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system for 1) intact, 2) anterior cruciate ligament deficient, 3) single-bundle reconstructed, and 4) anatomically reconstructed knees.