Functional Anatomy Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Functional Anatomy of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: The knee joint is a complex organ which allows for a multidirectional movement of the joint including an internal/external rotation, flexion/extension and a variety of valgus movements. The direction of the knee joint movement is regularly controlled by the ligaments and geometric constraints of the articular surfaces (Woo et al., 1999). The movements of the knee can occur in different directions which gives each ligament a multifunctional purpose. The major function of the anterior cruciate ligament is to prevent extreme anterior tibial movement in different degrees of flexion. The ligament itself aids significantly to the stabilization and the kinematics of the knee joint.In addition, the ACL functions as a major secondary restraint to internal rotation, particularly when the knee is near full extension.(Duthon et al., 2006) Origin/Insertion: The ACL is a broad ligament joining the anterior tibial plateau to the posterior femoral intercondylar notch. The tibial attachment is to a facet, in front of, and lateral to the anterior tibial spine. The femoral attachment is high on the posterior aspect of the lateral wall of the intercondylar notch. The ACL originates at the medial wall of the lateral femoral condyle and inserts into the middle of the intercondylar area. (Heming, Rand & Steiner, 2007)) NORMAL: Extension to flexion Male: normal ROM (6->140 degrees) Female: normal ROM (5->145 degrees) Anterior Cruciate Ligament tears: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a devastating injury that occurs with high frequency during sport athletic participation. More than 200 000, ACL injuries are estimated to occur in the United States annually.1–3 previ... ... middle of paper ... ...ptions, the knee cannot be completely return to "normal." However, surgical reconstruction is an attempt to make it as close to normal as possible, or to the ability of the knee before injury. Anterior Cruciate rehab Anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation has undergone a considerable amount of change within the past decade. With thorough research into the biomechanics of the injury itself and on the operated knee have both helped with the movement away from the techniques of the early 1980's. The major goals of rehabilitation following ACL surgery are: 1) Restoration of the joint anatomy; 2) Delivery of static and dynamic stability; 3) Maintenance of the aerobic conditioning and psychological well-being; These have help development an intensive rehabilitation program for the patient. It will take an active involvement by the patient to assure optimum recovery.

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