Higher Gene Expression of Healing Factors in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Remnant in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with remnant preservation has been described and related to potential advantages. Literature is lacking regarding gene expression of potential factors related to ligament healing in the ACL remnant and its relation to time from injury.

Hypothesis: The mRNA expression of ligament healing factors in the ACL remnant would be higher in acute tears (<3 months from injury) than in intermediate (3-12 months) and chronic (>12 months) injuries.