Arterial Supply to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Journal of Athletic Training

Volume 30, Number 2 (June 1995)

Brian J. Toy, PhD, ATC; Richard A. Yeasting, PhD; Dennis E. Morse, PhD; Patricia McCann, MS


Abstract


Literature on the Anterior Cruciate ligament (ACL) is plentiful, but little information regarding its vascularization is rarely available. The few experiments done to find out about its vascularazition have been done on animals. Understanding about the human vascularization can help sports medicine practitioners better treat ACL injures

In order to see the arterial pattern of the human ACL, two fresh human cadaver knees were injected with an epoxy solution to highlight the vascular pattern. the solution was left to set and harden.

The majority of he ligaments blood supply originates from branches of the middle genicular artery and next to the synovium. It was determined that the proximal side of the ACL gets more vascular density than the distal portion

There are many things to consider while treating an ACL injuries but you cant stress enough the immediate treatment of rest, ice, compression, elevation, and support (R.I.C.E.S.)

Abstract written by: Jeff Herron