Computer analysis of PCL fibres during range of motion.

An understanding of the orientation of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) fibres can contribute to current knowledge of PCL biomechanics and potentially improve the effectiveness of PCL surgical reconstruction. In this paper, the orientation of PCL fibres with respect to the tibia and femur was analysed by means of a new computer method. The antero-lateral (AL) and postero-medial (PM) bundles of the PCL showed an increasing slope with respect to the tibial plateau during flexion and a statistically significant difference between them (AL: 37-65 degrees, PM: 47-60 degrees). PCL bundles showed similar orientation with respect to the femur and varied 14 degrees average during flexion. The study also measured 84 degrees twisting of PCL bundles during passive range of motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]