Morphometric Study on Cruciate Ligaments Of Knee With Gender Differences: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Introduction: There are many factors which help for the stability of knee, out of all, the cruciate ligaments are considered as key factors. Lesions of cruciate ligaments can occur separately; sometimes combined lesions can also be observed. The joint stability can be achieved with surgical correction of cruciate ligaments and this is essential to prevent secondary osteoarthritis. Surgical repair of these ligaments require clear anatomical knowledge and detailed morphometry. The aim of the current study was to record the various measurements of anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in both sexes and to evaluate the results statistically. Materials and Methods: Morphometric measurements of cruciate ligaments of knee was recorded in 72 unpaired knees (40 Males, 32 females), which are obtained from 10% formalin fixed cadavers of aged 48 ± 9 years. Observations & Results: The mean age of male and female cadavers had no significant differences in terms of gender distribution. After analysis it was observed that the mean length and width of ACL was significantly more in males compare to females (P<0.05). The mean values of PCL also had shown significant differences between males and females except in length and width. The mean length of PCL has shown slight difference between males (36.9 ± 3.9 mm) and females (36.9 ± 3.4 mm), it was not significant statistically (P>0.05). Conclusion: Orthopaedic surgeons should keep in mind, the mean Gender differences in morphometric measurements of cruciate ligaments while executing the surgical repair of cruciate ligaments individually either in males or females.