Morphometry of the tibial footprint of the anterior cruciate ligament in Punjabi population: Magnetic resonance imaging based retrospective study

Abstract

Background: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is responsible for knee joint stability during all possible movements. The purpose of our present study was to estimate normal values of the position and dimensions of the tibial attachment of ACL for its successful reconstruction. Methodology: A sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sample of the knee joint of 120 patients (58 men and 62 women) of 18–50 years of age was reviewed. Results: Anterior end of the tibial footprint was located at a mean of 14.92 mm ± 3.42 mm from the anterior end of the tibial plateau. The posterior end of the tibial footprint was located with a mean of 28.76 mm (±7.02) from the anterior end of the tibial plateau. The mean tibial footprint sagittal length was 14.56 mm ± 0.66 mm. The mean anterior cruciate sagittal center was located at 42.62% ±2.99% of the anteroposterior length of the tibial plateau. The present study will provide the baseline morphometric data for the position and size of the tibial footprint of the ACL on MRI in Punjab. Mean roof angle in the present study was 35.16° (±3.49°). Mean ACL-inclination angle was 50.13°(±4.56°). Mean ACL-Bluemensaat angle in the present study was 4.23°(±2.87°). Conclusion: Present study can help surgeons to ascertain the positioning of the tibial tunnel in routine ACL reconstruction as well as revised ACL reconstruction surgeries.