ACL Injury Mechanism is Related to Articular Pressure Distribution: A Cadaveric and Finite Element Investigation

Acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can be devastating, and often results in clinical sequelae that include meniscal tears, chondral lesions and osteoarthritis. Various bone bruise patterns of the femur or tibia, and bone contusions of the lateral tibial plateau have been associated in more than 80% of partial or complete ACL ruptures [1]. As quantification of articular cartilage pressure distribution under high-rate loading conditions remains challenging, validated finite element (FE) models of the knee can be used to characterize the effects of different loading parameters on tibiofemoral (TF) joint pressure distribution. This study combines high-rate cadaveric experiments with FE analysis to simulate ACL injuries and associated bone bruise patterns following landing from a jump. We hypothesized that a potential relationship exists between ACL injury mechanisms and resultant tibial plateau bone bruise patterns. This relationship may enhance our understanding of ACL injury mechanisms, which may provide insight to improve current prevention strategies that aim to decrease the risk of ACL injury and damage to secondary anatomical structures. All of this may in turn minimize associated posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis.