The menisco-femoral ligaments

The menisco-femoral ligaments were studied in 60 knees from 30 dissecting room cadavers. The anterior horns of the menisci were attached to the intercondylar area of the femur by discrete antero-medial or antero-lateral menisco-femoral ligaments, separate from the anterior cruciate ligament, in 15% of knees for each meniscus, more frequently than previously appreciated; these anterior horn ligaments may exacerbate a meniscal tear. The posterior horn of the lateral meniscus was connected with the intercondylar area of the femur in 100% of knees. In 93% of knees a ligament ran behind the posterior cruciate ligament while in 33% of knees a ligament ran in front of the posterior eruciate ligament. We propose renaming these the pre-cruciate postero-lateral menisco-femoral ligament and post-cruciate postero-lateral menisco-femoral ligament, respectively, to avoid confusion with the ligaments of the anterior horns. The menisco-femoral ligaments may function in controlling movement of the menisci, especially during rotation of the knee. The posterior horn of the medial meniscus has no direct femoral attachment and this may be a factor in the increased risk of injury to this meniscus. © 1995 WiIey-Liss, Inc.     

人工韧带修复膝关节交叉韧带损伤

背景：以往治疗膝关节交叉韧带损伤的主要手段是移植重建,最常用的移植材料为自体的骨髌腱骨、半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱。但由于此类移植物存在取材区并发症及韧带化过程中的各种问题,近年来人工韧带的研究受到重视。 目的：认识膝关节交叉韧带的结构及血供特点,以及膝关节交叉韧带损伤后人工韧带重建治疗机制与临床应用特点。 方法：①分析膝关节前、后交叉韧带的组织结构,功能学特点以及血供差异。②分析膝关节前、后交叉韧带损伤的类型及生物力学机制。③分析修复膝关节交叉韧带损伤的材料学分类及特点。④分析人工韧带修复后影响关节稳定性的因素。 结果与结论：修复膝关节前、后交叉韧带损伤时,应首先考虑到前、后交叉韧带的功能及血供情况,选择合适的重建物,使重建时过程简化,操作简单,重建材料的组织相容性较好,达到修复后的解剖与功能的双重建。     

Fetal and postnatal development of the patella, patellar tendon and suprapatella in the rabbit; changes in the distribution of the fibrillar collagens

The development of the patella, its associated tendons, and suprapatella of the rabbit knee joint is described from the 17 d fetus to the mature adult. The patellar tendon (ligament) with the patella on its posterior surface is seen in the 17 d fetus and is fully developed by 1 postnatal wk. It is composed of bundles of types I and V collagens separated by endotenons of types III and V collagens. Anteriorly there is an epitenon of types III and V collagens while synovium and a fat pad cover its posterior surface. In the 25 d fetus, the patella is cartilaginous and is separated from the femoral condyles. The cartilage contains type II collagen, but types I, III and V collagens are found along the articular surface. Ossification starts 1 postnatal wk and at 6 wk only the articular cartilage remains. In addition to type II, types III and V collagens are located around the chondrocyte lacunae. The long anterior junction between the patella and its tendon is fibrocartilaginous at 1 wk, but as ossification proceeds this is replaced by bone. Types I and V collagens are found in this region. The suprapatella on the posterior surface of the quadriceps tendon is first seen 1 wk postnatally as an area of irregularly organised fibres and chondrocyte-like cells. Types I, II, III and V collagens are present from 3 wk onwards. It is compared with the fibrocartilage of other tendons that are under compression. The arrangement of the collagens in the patellar tendon is discussed in relation to its use as a replacement for injured anterior cruciate ligaments. It is suggested that the structural differences between the patellar tendon and anterior cruciate ligament preclude the translocated tendon acquiring mechanical strength similar to that of a normal cruciate ligament. The designation 'patellar ligament' as opposed to 'patellar tendon' is questioned. It is argued that the term patellar tendon reflects its structure more accurately than patellar ligament.     

MRI探究交叉韧带松紧度与髌股关节面损伤相关性的临床应用

目的　探究交叉韧带松紧度与髌股关节面损伤程度的相关性,分析个体交叉韧带长度的解剖差异对髌股关节面损伤的影响,为预防和诊治髌股关节面疾病提供新的依据。 方法　随机收集南方医科大学珠江医院2016年10月至2017年12月110例膝关节MRI资料,磁共振矢状位上测量前、后交叉韧带长度A与B,测量前、后交叉韧带起止点距离La与Lb,计算交叉韧带松紧度M值;根据矢状位与冠状位上评判髌股关节面损伤程度0、I、II、III与IV级并分别设5个组。通过SPSS20.0统计学软件,将所得数据进行One-Way ANOVA方差分析与Spearman相关性分析,探究交叉韧带松紧度与髌股关节面损伤程度的相关性。 结果　One-Way ANOVA方差分析得出各组M值两两之间均存在显著性差异（P<0.05）,Spearman相关性分析显示M值与髌股关节损伤程度间存在正相关性。 结论　交叉韧带松紧度与髌股关节面损伤存在相关性,随着M值越大,髌股关节面损伤程度越严重。     

The organisation of elastin and fibrillins 1 and 2 in the cruciate ligament complex

Although elastin fibres and oxytalan fibres (bundles of microfibrils) have important mechanical, biochemical and cell regulatory functions, neither their distribution nor their function in cruciate ligaments has been investigated. Twelve pairs of cruciate ligaments (CLs) were obtained from 10 adult dogs with no evidence of knee osteoarthritis. Elastic fibres were identified using Verhoeff's and Miller's staining. Fibrillins 1 and 2 were immunolocalised and imaged using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Hydrated, unfixed tissue was analysed using Nomarski differential interference microscopy (NDIC), allowing structural and mechanical analysis. Microfibrils and elastin fibres were widespread in both CLs, predominantly within ligament fascicles, parallel to collagen bundles. Although elastin fibres were sparse, microfibrils were abundant. We described abundant fibres composed of both fibrillin 1 and fibrillin 2, which had a similar pattern of distribution to oxytalan fibres. NDIC demonstrated complex interfascicular and interbundle anatomy in the CL complex. The distribution of elastin fibres is suggestive of a mechanical role in bundle reorganisation following ligament deformation. The presence and location of fibrillin 2 in oxytalan fibres in ligament differs from the solely fibrillin 1-containing oxytalan fibres previously described in tendon and may demonstrate a fundamental difference between ligament and tendon.     

膝关节后纵隔与后交叉韧带下止点的解剖关系及临床意义

目的 探讨膝关节后纵隔与后交叉韧带(PCL)下止点的解剖关系及其在PCL重建中的临床价值. 方法 解剖22例新鲜冷冻膝关节,将PCL在屈膝90°下按纤维张力的不同分为前外束和后内束,解剖出它们在胫骨上的足迹,并用墨汁标记足迹的轮廓;使用带标尺的数码相机测量PCL前外束、后内束胫骨止点中心点与后纵隔的水平距离,并同时测量两束止点中心点与外侧胫骨平台后软骨缘上表面的垂直距离. 结果 膝关节存在一个从前至后的纵隔结构,其前方与脂肪垫、翼状皱襞或黏膜韧带相连,中间位于前、后交叉韧带之间,后方形成膝关节的后纵隔.在22个膝关节中,8个膝关节的后纵隔从PCL的外缘绕过以后止于后关节囊,占36.36%;14个膝关节的后纵隔在PCL前方分叉,包绕PCL后止于后关节囊,占63.64%.PCL前外束胫骨止点中心点距离后纵隔内侧的水平距离(0.90±2.40)mm,距离外侧胫骨平台后软骨缘上表面的垂直距离是(3.25±1.20)mm.后内束胫骨止点中心点距离后纵隔内侧的水平距离为(4.35±2.46)mm,距离外侧胫骨平台后软骨缘上表面的垂直距离为(6.91±1.57)mm. 结论 膝关节后纵隔与PCL下止点的解剖关系密切,后纵隔可以成为PCL单束重建和双束重建手术中胫骨止点定位的重要解剖标志之一.     

半月板和交叉韧带矢状断层研究

目的　观察膝关节矢状断层的半月板和交叉韧带的形态、可出现的层面情况并测量有关数据 ,为影像学诊断提供解剖学依据。方法　 11例 (2 2侧 )经福尔马林液防腐的膝关节标本按MRI检查姿势标线 ,冷冻后用断层带锯作厚 5mm的矢状断层 ,获得 314断层 (观察 5 84层面 ) ,对各断层面的半月板和交叉韧带进行观察 ,并用电子游标卡尺进行测量。结果　半月板后角高度明显高于前角 (P <0 0 1) ,内侧半月板后角宽度约是前角的 2倍 ,而外侧半月板宽度前、后角基本一致 ,外侧半月板体部宽于内侧且更靠近中轴 ,盘状半月板主要发生于外侧 ;正中矢状面显示交叉韧带全长的出现率为 82 % ,其全长的最好层面为正中矢状面和正中旁 1cm层面 ;前交叉韧带与矢状面的夹角较后交叉韧带小 ;前、后交叉韧带在股骨和胫骨的附着点宽约 12mm ,各附着点宽差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 )。结论　膝关节矢状断层形态学研究提示半月板的后角容易损伤 ;外侧半月板后角明显较内侧窄而高 ,此为临床所见外侧半月板较内侧半月板更易损伤的形态学基础。     

膝前交叉韧带自体替代物的生物力学研究

对膝前交叉韧带、髂胫束、髌韧带中间1/3和半腱肌腱进行了力学性能测试和组织结构观察、结果显示,四种结构均由胶元纤维束组成,其最大拉应力近似;由于纤维束排列方向不同,各结构延伸率有较大的差异;三种替代物中以髂胫束的力学性能和纤维排列形式与前交叉韧带较为接近。实验结果提示,髂胫束是前叉韧带修复术中较好的自体替代物.     

A comparative study of the epiligament of the medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments in the human knee: Immunohistochemical analysis of CD 34, α-smooth muscle actin and vascular endothelial growth factor in relation to epiligament theory

BackgroundThis study evaluated and compared the expression of VEGF, CD34, and α-SMA in the anterior cruciate ligaments and medial collateral ligaments in healthy human knees in order to enrich the epiligament theory regarding ligament healing after injury.MethodsSamples from the mid-substance of the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament of 12 fresh knee joints were used. Monoclonal antibodies against CD34, α-SMA, and VEGF were used for immunohistochemical analysis. Photomicrographs were analyzed using the ImageJ software.ResultsThe epiligament of the anterior cruciate ligament showed slightly higher expression of CD34, α-SMA, and VEGF than the epiligament of the medial collateral ligament. Overall, among the tested markers, α-SMA expression was most pronounced in anterior cruciate ligament epiligament images and CD34 dominated in medial collateral ligament epiligament images. The intensity of DAB staining for CD34, α-SMA, and VEGF was higher in vascular areas of the epiligament than in epiligament connective tissue.ConclusionsThe results illustrate that CD34, α-SMA, and VEGF are expressed in the human epiligament. The differences between the epiligament of the investigated ligaments and the fact that CD34, α-SMA, and VEGF, which are known to have a definite role in ligament healing, are predominantly expressed in the main vascular part of the ligament–epiligament complex enlarge the existing epiligament theory. Future investigations regarding better ligament healing should not overlook the epiligament tissue.     

Anatomy of the cruciate ligaments and their function in extension and flexion of the human knee joint

The areas of the femoral origin of the cruciate ligaments have approximately the shape of sectors of ellipses, the one for the anterior ligament on the lateral condyle posteroproximally and the one for the posterior ligament on the medial condyle distally. By means of a new technique of dissection, combined with the use of X-rays, the change in distance between the origin and insertion and so the change of tension of single bundles of the ligaments could be analyzed. Only a rather thin bundle in each cruciate ligament is in constant tension: “guiding bundles.” The maximal diminution of distance between the origin and insertion for some bundles is 65%. In the anterior cruciate ligament the majority of fibers are taut in extreme extension: “limiting bundles.” The same is true in the posterior cruciate ligament in extreme flexion. There are also some fibers, especially in the posterior cruciate ligament, that are taut only in an intermediate position. The geometric analysis of the function of different groups of fibers was performed by a modification of Menschik's concept of a four-bar link.     

膝关节前交叉韧带后外束股骨止点位置的解剖

目的 通过对膝关节前交叉韧带后外束股骨止点的解剖测量,找到确定前交叉韧带后外束股骨止点的简单可行的方法,为双束重建前交叉韧带手术中的骨道定位提供理论依据。方法 解剖20例新鲜膝关节标本（25~45岁）。在屈膝90°位,测量前交叉韧带后外束股骨止点中心点距股骨髁间窝外侧壁前方、后方和下方软骨缘的距离,再对测量数据进行评估和对比。结果前交叉韧带后外束股骨止点中心点距离股骨前方软骨缘(8.74±1.39)mm,距离后方软骨缘(8.69±1.57)mm（P =0.926）。后外束止点中心点距离股骨下方软骨缘(5.06±0.77)mm。结论膝关节屈膝90°位时,前交叉韧带后外束的股骨止点中心点位于股骨髁间窝外侧壁,距离下方软骨缘5mm,距离前方和后方软骨缘的距离相等。在前交叉韧带双束重建的手术中,应用本研究的结果能够简单、快捷地确定前交叉韧带后外束股骨骨道位置。     

The popliteal region an anatomical study and a new approach to the tibial attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament

Surgical treatment of posterior cruciate ligament injuries is gaining more and more importance. The central posterior approach according to Abbott (1945) has been considered a standard, with various complications involved owing to the local anatomic conditions. This study is intended to present a modified dorsomedial approach to the posterior capsule of the knee joint that is better adapted to the anatomic conditions. As a basis, the popliteal region was dissected in 150 knee joints, and the course of the popliteal artery with its branches as well as the bifurcation of the sciatic nerve were identified. The medial joint line served as a reference point. It has been shown that the knee joint arteries and the two sural arteries arose at relatively constant levels. At least one of the meniscofemoral ligaments was found in all of the knee joints examined the anterior ligament was present in a slightly higher percentage than the posterior ligament. The modified dorsomedial approach to the posterior joint capsule was evaluated in 50 knee joints. Dissection was achieved by blunt division of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, with careful preservation of the proximal vascular supply of that muscle. It was necessary to expose neither the popliteal artery and vein nor the tibial nerve. The tibial attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament could be exposed in every knee. The advantage of the new approach to the posterior cruciate ligament described in this study consists in the preservation of the central neurovascular bundle and the excellent exposure of the tibial attachment.     

Experimental evaluation of 3-dimensional kinematic behavior of the cruciate ligaments

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a low-cost and easily reproducible technique for biomechanical studies in cadavers. In this kind of study, the natural effect of loading of the joint and shear forces are not taken into account. The objective is to describe the plastic deformation of the ligaments into 3-dimensional space. METHOD: For 18 intact human cadaver knees, the cruciate ligaments were divided into 3 fiber bundles, the tibial or femoral fixation points were marked, and 2 perpendicular different x-ray exposures were performed, thus obtaining radiographs of spatial projections of the bundle in 3 anatomic planes (frontal, sagittal, and transversal). From the measurements made on the x-ray films, we obtained the average distance between the 2 fixation points of the cruciate ligaments on the tibia and the femur at 4 different flexion angles. RESULTS: The distance between the fixation points of the medial and lateral fiber bundles of the cruciate ligaments did not change significantly during movement. There were, however, significant variations (P < .05) in the distance between the fixation points of the posterior fiber bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament and the anterior fiber bundles of the posterior cruciate ligament. CONCLUSIONS: This technique was efficient for demonstrating the plastic deformability of the cruciate ligaments. The results proceeding from this type of study can assist in the planning of physical rehabilitation programs.     

关节镜下LARS韧带重建后交叉韧带的早期临床疗效分析

目的 回顾性分析关节镜下LARS韧带重建后交叉韧带的早期临床疗效。方法 自2016年8月~2017年10月筛选50例确诊为后交叉韧带损伤患者。其中应用LARS韧带重建后交叉韧带患者22例设为实验组,应用自体半腱肌、股薄肌重建后交叉韧带的患者28例设为对照组。记录患者术后并发症发生率,采用Lysholm、IKDC、Tegner膝关节运动评分标准对术后膝关节的稳定性与活动性随访评分。结果 所有患者均获得随访,随访时间3~6个月。对照组术后并发症的发生率高于实验组（21.43% vs 9.09%）,实验组在避免膝关节僵硬及下肢深静脉血栓方面优于对照组（4.55% vs 17.86%）,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;两组患者术前Lysholm评分、IKDC评分以及Tegner评分比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,在术后随访过程中,实验组Lysholm评分、IKDC评分以及Tegner评分优于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 关节镜下LARS韧带重建后交叉韧带创伤小,降低术后并发症,有效的恢复膝关节的稳定性和功能性,具有较好的近期临床疗效。     

Intraarticular ganglion cyst around the cruciate ligament of the knee

Intraarticular ganglion cysts arising from the cruciate ligaments are encountered infrequently. We report two cases in which intraarticular ganglion cysts arising from the anterior cruciate ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament, respectively. In both cases, dull pain in the full flexion position was observed and magnetic resonance imaging was helpful for the preoperative diagnosis.     

Computational modeling of a forward lunge: towards a better understanding of the function of the cruciate ligaments

This study investigated the function of the cruciate ligaments during a forward lunge movement. The mechanical roles of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament (ACL, PCL) during sagittal plane movements, such as forward lunging, are unclear. A forward lunge movement contains a knee joint flexion and extension that is controlled by the quadriceps muscle. The contraction of the quadriceps can cause anterior tibial translation, which may strain the ACL at knee joint positions close to full extension. However, recent findings suggest that it is the PCL rather than the ACL which is strained during forward lunging. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to establish a musculoskeletal model of the forward lunge to computationally investigate the complete mechanical force equilibrium of the tibia during the movement to examine the loading pattern of the cruciate ligaments. A healthy female was selected from a group of healthy subjects who all performed a forward lunge on a force platform, targeting a knee flexion angle of 90°. Skin-markers were placed on anatomical landmarks on the subject and the movement was recorded by five video cameras. The three-dimensional kinematic data describing the forward lunge movement were extracted and used to develop a biomechanical model of the lunge movement. The model comprised two legs including femur, crus, rigid foot segments and the pelvis. Each leg had 35 independent muscle units, which were recruited according to a minimum fatigue criterion. This approach allowed a full understanding of the mechanical equilibrium of the knee joint, which revealed that the PCL had an important stabilizing role in the forward lunge movement. In contrast, the ACL did not have any significant mechanical function during the lunge movement. Furthermore, the results showed that m. gluteus maximus may play a role as a knee stabilizer in addition to the hamstring muscles.     

膝关节交叉韧带和侧副韧带的断面解剖学研究及其意义

目的研究膝关节交叉韧带和侧副韧带的断面形态特征和变化规律,为诊断膝部韧带病变提供更为详尽的形态学资料。方法利用27例正常成人膝关节标本制作连续断面,其中矢状断面9例,冠状断面12例,横断面6例。通过横、矢、冠状断面标本,观测膝关节韧带的断面形态特征及定量测量。结果矢状面上测量前、后交叉韧带长度分别为(29.66±4.21)mm、(40.26±6.81)mm,厚度分别为(10.03±1.97)mm、(11.24±3.50)mm。冠状面上前、后交叉韧带长径分别为(15.18±3.25)mm、(18.79±3.35)mm,短径分别为(6.37±1.32)mm、(8.03±1.46)mm;胫、腓侧副韧带长度分别为(102.85±19.64)mm、(45.52±14.91)mm,厚度分别为(2.63±0.72)mm、(3.43±1.04)mm。髁间隆起的横断面上胫、腓侧副韧带长径分别为(21.98±11.95)mm、(5.25±1.93)mm,短径分别为(2.03±0.59)mm、(2.87±0.64)mm。结论 (1)观测交叉韧带最好的断面是膝关节正中矢状面,其次是正中旁开1个矢状断面。除厚度外,在矢状面上前后交叉韧带长度、股、胫骨附着区宽度均有明显差异。(2)胫、腓侧副韧带在连续的冠状断面及横断面上均可显示,以冠状断面配合横断面相对为佳。     

Variations in internal structure,composition and protein distribution between intra‐ and extra‐articular knee ligaments and tendons

Tendons and ligaments play key roles in the musculoskeletal system in both man and animals. Both tissues can undergo traumatic injury, age‐related degeneration and chronic disease, causing discomfort, pain and increased susceptibility to wider degenerative joint disease. To date, tendon and ligament ultrastructural biology is relatively under‐studied in healthy, non‐diseased tissues. This information is essential to understand the pathology of these tissues with regard to function‐related injury and to assist with the future development of tissue‐engineered tendon and ligament structures. This study investigated the morphological, compositional and extracellular matrix protein distribution differences between tendons and ligaments around the non‐diseased canine stifle joint. The morphological, structural characteristics of different regions of the periarticular tendons and ligaments (the intra‐articular anterior cruciate ligament, the extra‐articular medial collateral ligament, the positional long digital extensor tendon and energy‐storing superficial digital flexor tendons) were identified using a novel semi‐objective histological scoring analysis and by determining their biochemical composition. Protein distribution of extracellular matrix collagens, proteoglycans and elastic fibre proteins in anterior cruciate ligament and long digital extensor tendon were also determined using immunostaining techniques. The anterior cruciate ligament was found to have significant morphological differences in comparison with the other three tissues, including less compact collagen architecture, differences in cell nuclei phenotype and increased glycosaminoglycan and elastin content. Intra‐ and interobserver differences of histology scoring resulted in an average score 0.7, indicative of good agreement between observers. Statistically significant differences were also found in the extracellular matrix composition in terms of glycosaminoglycan and elastin content, being more prominent in the anterior cruciate ligament than in the other three tissues. A different distribution of several extracellular matrix proteins was also found between long digital extensor tendon and anterior cruciate ligament, with a significantly increased immunostaining of aggrecan and versican in the anterior cruciate ligament. These findings directly relate to the different functions of tendon and ligament and indicate that the intra‐articular anterior cruciate ligament is subjected to more compressive forces, reflecting an adaptive response to normal or increased loads and resulting in different extracellular matrix composition and arrangement to protect the tissue from damage.     

A biochemical study of the distribution of collagen and its crosslinks in knee ligaments and the patellar tendon

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate biochemical differences in collagen crosslinks from different locations within the ligaments and a tendon of the human knee.

Materials and Methods: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and patellar tendon (PT) were obtained from 24 cadavers (13 men and 11 women) whose average age at the time of death was 84.8 years. Ligaments and PT samples were obtained from the femoral and tibial insertions and the midsubstance. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) and collagen crosslinks, including pyridinoline (Pyr) and pentosidine (Pen), were compared among the different sites.

Results: The midsubstance Hyp concentration was greater than at the femoral and tibial insertions in the ACL (p?=?0.00124 and 0.000255, respectively) and PCL (p?=?0.00036 and 0.042, respectively). The Pyr:collagen ratio did not differ among sites in any of the ligaments or PT. The Pen:collagen ratio at the midsubstance was greater than at the femoral and tibial insertions in the ACL (p?=?0.00022 and 0.00025, respectively) and LCL (p?=?0.000081 and 0.000021, respectively) and was greater at the femoral insertion in the MCL (p?=?0.00010).

Conclusions: The mature collagen crosslink Pyr was not different in distribution in knee ligaments and the PT. Pen increased at the midsubstance ligaments and the PT. As increased Pen may represent ligament degeneration, this may indicate that degeneration may progress more rapidly at the midsubstance than at the insertion sites of a ligament.     

Inter-observer agreement in the identification of the two bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament using magnetic resonance imaging

Background  Magnetic resonance imaging has become the method of choice to diagnose meniscal and ligament lesions of the knee. New approaches to the surgical treatment of partial anterior cruciate ligament tears led us to try to distinguish the two bundles of that ligament with MRI and to evaluate inter-observer agreement in different viewing planes. Methods  Images of 50 right and 50 left ligament-intact knees were examined in the coronal and axial viewing planes. Each sequence was independently read by a radiologist and a medical student to note, in each viewing plane, the number of images in which the two-bundle structure of the ligament was clearly seen. Cohen’s Kappa coefficients were used to determine inter-observer agreements. Results  The percentage of sequences in which the two bundles were distinguished by the radiologist and the student on one image at least were 82 versus 73% in the coronal plane and 90 versus 93% in the axial plane, respectively. The average number of successive images with clear bundles was higher in the axial (2.7 vs. 1.7) than in the coronal plane (2.2 vs. 1). There was a poor inter-observer agreement in the coronal plane (k = 0.176) but an intermediate agreement in the axial plane (k = 0.385 or 0.522 depending on number pooling). Conclusions  The axial viewing plane seems more favourable to distinguish the two bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament with the best possible reproducibility. An oblique-axial plane is deemed to insure a clearer diagnosis of partial tears.