Anterior Cruciate Ligament Research Paper

Anterior Cruciate Ligament The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments in a person’s knee (Nieman). The knee joint contains four ligaments, one tendon, and some meniscus and cartilage. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) runs from the femur to the fibula on the inner half of the knee. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs from the femur to the tibia on the outer half of the knee. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) crosses behind the ACL. The meniscus and cartilage in the knee provide shock absorbing for the knee and helps prevent arthritis. The patellar tendon connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (ACL Injury). The three words in ACL help people understand the name. Anterior mean nearer to the front. Cruciate is derived from the latin word “crux.” “Crux” means in the form of a cross (Lowe). Ligament refers to the actual tissue. ACL reconstruction is a long and complicated process (“ACL Injury”). What exactly causes ACL injuries? ACL injuries can occur from a variety of things. Seventy percent of ACL injuries happen in non-contact mechanisms. Thirty percent occur in contact mechanisms. Most ACL injuries occur during
The allograft has grown in popularity in recent year. An allograft is taken from a cadaver. A cadaver is a deceased person who has donated their body to science. By using an allograft, pain can be reduced because the doctor does not cut out the tendon to use. By doing this, less incisions are made. One major risk of an allograft is infection. Since the graft is not from the patient’s own body, they are exposed to whatever diseases the cadaver may have. Although allografts cause less pain, the failure rate is the highest. Allograft failure rate ranges between twenty-three and thirty-four percent. Allografts are also more susceptible to stretching. Even though allografts have become more popular lately, many doctors advise against the use of one (“ACL