Evaluation of the functional effects of anterior cruciate ligament bundles: a cadaveric experiment.

The influence of isolated deficiency of the anteromedial or posterolateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on knee kinematics has not been fully investigated. Thirty-two cadaveric knees were studied. The fibers of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles were resected arthroscopically in alternating order in right and left knees. Before and after each arthroscopic cut, laxity tests were performed. Positive results on anterior drawer tests were specific only to the anteromedial bundle-cut knees. Pivot shift tests were positive only in the posterolateral bundle-cut knees. In addition, anterior tibial translation was measured with KT-1000 in response to different external loading conditions. Anterior translation measured with KT-1000 at 67 N and 89 N draw forces at 20 degrees and 40 degrees of flexion may be used in evaluating the integration of each bundle of ACL, both separately and as a whole.