Study On Osseous Landmarks Of ACL Insertion On The Femur

Objective To study the osseous landmarks of femoral insertion of the ACL and provide anatomic basis for surgical operation for the ACL injury. Method Three human cadaveric knees disposaled in formalin and 2 frozen cadaveric knees were anatomized. The anteromedial bundle and the posterolateral bundle of ACL were abscised at the attachment site of femur, and then the osseous landmark on femoral insertion was determined. In addition, posterior 1/3 of medial surfaces of femoral lateral condyles in vivo of 100 adults (46 male,54 female) were also observed. Data of the osseous landmarks related to the femoral insertion were collected. Results There were two osseous landmarks related to the femoral insertion in the 5 knees (long and short osseous ridges). In the measurement of 100 adults knees, the long osseous ridge was posteriorly located at Blumensaat's line and distally directed to the front of insertion of femur. The short osseous ridge was present in 62 femoral insertions and divided the insertions into two parts with different slopes. There was 18 (of 62) short ridges originated from the hinge points of the long ridges, close to 1/2 of long ridge. The length of long ridge and short length was 15.11±2.64mm and 6.42±1.7mm, respectively. The average included angle between long ridge and Blumensaat's line was 69°±7.28°, and the average included angle between long and short ridges was 69.48°±24.03°. Conclusion There are two osseous ridges related to ACL femoral insertion:long and short ridges. Part of the short ridges divides the insertion into two parts. These findings are benefitial for ACL reconstruction.