The presence of proprioceptive mechanoreceptors in the remnants of the ruptured ACL as a possible source of re-innervation of the ACL autograft

This study investigated the presence of neural mechanoreceptors in the remnants of the ruptured ACL as a possible source of reinnervation of the ACL autologous graft. The remainder of the torn ACL was selected for further histological investigation from 17 patients during ACL reconstruction 3 months...

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Published in:Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA, 2001-11, Vol.9 (6), p.364-368
Main Authors: Georgoulis, A D, Pappa, L, Moebius, U, Malamou-Mitsi, V, Pappa, S, Papageorgiou, C O, Agnantis, N J, Soucacos, P N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Anterior Cruciate Ligament - innervation
Anterior Cruciate Ligament - surgery
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Biopsy
Feedback
Female
Humans
Injuries
Knee
Knee Injuries - pathology
Knee Injuries - surgery
Knees
Ligaments
Male
Mechanoreceptors - pathology
Patients
Posterior Cruciate Ligament - pathology
Proprioception
Proprioception - physiology
Rupture
Sports
Surgery
Tissue Transplantation - methods
Transplantation, Autologous - methods
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Summary:This study investigated the presence of neural mechanoreceptors in the remnants of the ruptured ACL as a possible source of reinnervation of the ACL autologous graft. The remainder of the torn ACL was selected for further histological investigation from 17 patients during ACL reconstruction 3 months to 3.5 years after injury. Perioperatively two types of ACL remnant were identified. Fifteen patients had portions of ACL adapted at the PCL. In all of these patients we found mechanoreceptors (I and II). In five patients we found mushroomlike remnants which included either none or small numbers of mechanoreceptors. Free neural ends were found in both patient groups. There was a significant difference between the groups in regard to the mean number of mechanoreceptors I and II per slice. In conclusion, in patients with an ACL remnant adapted to the PCL, mechanoreceptors exist even 3 years after injury. If we accept that restoration of proprioception is the result of reinnervation of the ACL, leaving the ACL remnants as a source, if this is surgically possible without risk of Cyclop's lesion, may be of potential benefit to the patient.
ISSN:0942-2056
1433-7347
DOI:10.1007/s001670100240