The American journal of sports medicine
-
We measured changes in anterior translation of the tibia with sequential sectioning of the bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament and correlated these changes with the clinical examination. Six fresh cadaveric lower extremities were examined by three experienced knee surgeons in a masked fashion with the anterior cruciate ligament intact and after sectioning of the posterolateral bundle, the posterolateral bundle and 50% of the anteromedial bundle, and the entire ligament. Lachman, anterior drawer, and lateral pivot shift tests were performed. ⋯ Clinical evaluation is accurate in defining intact and completely sectioned anterior cruciate ligaments. However, it is unable to differentiate a sectioned posterolateral bundle from an intact anterior cruciate ligament, or a 75% sectioned ligament from a completely sectioned ligament. The clinical diagnosis of a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament is more likely to represent a complete or "functionally complete" tear.