Nutrient pathways of the cruciate ligaments. An experimental study using the hydrogen wash-out technique.

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.