Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
7-5-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
7-5-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Introduction
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a critical role in knee stability, particularly in controlling anterior translation and rotational movement of the tibia relative to the femur. Numerous studies have reported morphological differences in the ACL based on sex and age, which have implications for injury susceptibility, surgical reconstruction, and rehabilitation protocols. This study aims to investigate the anatomical variations of the ACL across different sexes and age groups, particularly within specific regions like South Georgia, contributing to a better understanding of its structural adaptations and clinical significance.
Objective
The primary objective of this study is to document and analyze variations in the ACL’s morphology based on sex and age. By conducting detailed dissections and comparative analyses, this research seeks to enhance current anatomical knowledge and underscore the clinical ramifications of these variations. A review of existing literature, combined with our findings, will provide a bridge between anatomical structure and practical clinical applications in orthopedics and sports medicine. This study will aid in refining surgical approaches, rehabilitation strategies, and preventive measures for ACL injuries.
Methods
This cadaveric study involves systematic dissection of knee joints to examine the ACL in terms of length, width, fiber orientation, and overall structural integrity. Photographic documentation will complement morphological observations. Specimens will be categorized based on sex and age group to assess anatomical differences. Additionally, a literature review will be conducted to compare our findings with documented variations and their clinical relevance. A comparative analysis will highlight significant trends and potential implications in orthopedic practice.
Results
Preliminary observations indicate that the ACL exhibits notable differences in morphology between males and females, as well as across different age groups. Factors such as ligament thickness, fiber density, and insertional footprint size vary and may contribute to differences in ACL injury risk and response to surgical interventions. These findings provide valuable insights into sex-specific and age-related anatomical differences, which can inform clinical practices such as ACL reconstruction techniques, rehabilitation protocols, and injury prevention strategies.
Conclusion
This study emphasizes the importance of recognizing anatomical variations in the ACL related to sex and age. A deeper understanding of these differences will contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy, surgical precision, and overall patient outcomes in orthopedic and sports medicine. By expanding the body of anatomical knowledge available to clinicians, this research enhances the appreciation of human variability and its implications in clinical practice.
Embargo Period
12-4-2025
Anatomical Variations of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Cadaveric Study on Sex and Age Differences
Moultrie, GA
Introduction
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a critical role in knee stability, particularly in controlling anterior translation and rotational movement of the tibia relative to the femur. Numerous studies have reported morphological differences in the ACL based on sex and age, which have implications for injury susceptibility, surgical reconstruction, and rehabilitation protocols. This study aims to investigate the anatomical variations of the ACL across different sexes and age groups, particularly within specific regions like South Georgia, contributing to a better understanding of its structural adaptations and clinical significance.
Objective
The primary objective of this study is to document and analyze variations in the ACL’s morphology based on sex and age. By conducting detailed dissections and comparative analyses, this research seeks to enhance current anatomical knowledge and underscore the clinical ramifications of these variations. A review of existing literature, combined with our findings, will provide a bridge between anatomical structure and practical clinical applications in orthopedics and sports medicine. This study will aid in refining surgical approaches, rehabilitation strategies, and preventive measures for ACL injuries.
Methods
This cadaveric study involves systematic dissection of knee joints to examine the ACL in terms of length, width, fiber orientation, and overall structural integrity. Photographic documentation will complement morphological observations. Specimens will be categorized based on sex and age group to assess anatomical differences. Additionally, a literature review will be conducted to compare our findings with documented variations and their clinical relevance. A comparative analysis will highlight significant trends and potential implications in orthopedic practice.
Results
Preliminary observations indicate that the ACL exhibits notable differences in morphology between males and females, as well as across different age groups. Factors such as ligament thickness, fiber density, and insertional footprint size vary and may contribute to differences in ACL injury risk and response to surgical interventions. These findings provide valuable insights into sex-specific and age-related anatomical differences, which can inform clinical practices such as ACL reconstruction techniques, rehabilitation protocols, and injury prevention strategies.
Conclusion
This study emphasizes the importance of recognizing anatomical variations in the ACL related to sex and age. A deeper understanding of these differences will contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy, surgical precision, and overall patient outcomes in orthopedic and sports medicine. By expanding the body of anatomical knowledge available to clinicians, this research enhances the appreciation of human variability and its implications in clinical practice.