Surgical break through for patients who suffer Anterior Cruciate Ligament tears

Two knee surgeons at the University Hospital Leuven, Belgium, have discovered a previously unknown ligament in the human knee. For the last four years, orthopaedic surgeons Dr Steven Claes and Professor Dr Johan Bellemans have been conducting research into serious ACL injuries and have unearthed some fascinating results. The pair found that in spite of successful ACL repair surgery and rehabilitation, some patients with ACL-repaired knees continue to experience so-called 'pivot shift', or episodes where the knee 'gives way' during activity. In 1879 an article by a French surgeon which postulated the existence of an additional ligament located on the anterior of the human knee, became the starting point for this modern day discovery. That postulation turned out to be correct. The Belgian doctors are the first to identify the previously unknown ligament after a broad cadaver study using macroscopic dissection techniques. Their extensive research shows that the ligament, which was given the name Anterolateral Ligament (ALL), is present in 97 per cent of all human knees. The Anatomical Society praised the research as "very refreshing" and commended the researchers for “reminding the medical world that, despite the emergence of advanced technology, our knowledge of the basic anatomy of the human body is not yet exhaustive.” ACL’s are common in pivot-heavy athletes. Sports such as, football, basketball, skiing and rugby are common sports played by ACL victims. Here at Braces Firstaid4sport, we offer a wide and exciting range of braces, supports and taping that can help restore mobility and increase your comfort on your road to recovery. To see exclusive pictures and for more information on this subject - and many more- check out The Science Daily Website