The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 62, Issue 7 1176-1180, Copyright © 1980 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Nutrient pathways of the cruciate ligaments. An experimental study using the hydrogen wash-out technique
LA Whiteside and RE Sweeney
We used the hydrogen wash-out technique to determine the rate of wash-out
of an inert tracer from the posterior cruciate ligament in dogs and rabbits
after we had detached the ligament from bone and synovial structures, and
after we had isolated it from the synovial tissue with aluminum foil. These
rates were compared with those from controls and no differences could be
found between them. The uptake of tritiated proline administered
intravenously was also shown not to be significantly different in the
detached ligament as compared with an intact ligament. Isolation of the
ligament from contact with the synovial lining prevented the uptake of
hydrogen. Cruciate ligaments removed from the knee and placed in the
suprapatellar pouch appeared viable after eight to ten days. These findings
suggest that diffusion can serve as a major pathway for delivery of
nutrients to the cruciate ligaments.
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