Injury to the ACL is a commonly encountered problem in active individuals. Even partial tears of this intra-articular knee ligament lead to biomechanical deficiencies that impair function and stability. Current options for the treatment of partial ACL tears range from nonoperative, conservative management to multiple surgical options, such as: thermal modification, single-bundle repair, complete reconstruction, and reconstruction of the damaged portion of the native ligament. Few studies, if any, have demonstrated any single method for management to be consistently superior, and in many cases patients continue to demonstrate persistent instability and other comorbidities.The goal of this study is to identify a potential cell source for utilization in the development of a tissue engineered patch that could be implemented in the repair of a partially torn ACL. A novel protocol was developed for the expansion of cells derived from patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. To isolate the cells, minced hACL tissue obtained during ACL reconstruction was digested in a Collagenase solution. Expansion was performed using DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin/streptomycin (P/ S). The cells were then stored at -80 ºC or in liquid nitrogen in a freezing medium consisting of DMSO, FBS and the expansion medium. After thawing, the hACL derived cells were then seeded onto a tissue engineered scaffold, PLAGA (Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid) and control Tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). After 7 days, SEM was performed to compare cellular adhesion to the PLAGA versus the control TCPS. Cellular morphology was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) micrographs demonstrated that cells grew and adhered on both PLAGA and TCPS surfaces and were confluent over the entire surfaces by day 7. Immunofluorescence staining showed normal, non-stressed morphological patterns on both surfaces. This technique is promising for applications in ACL regeneration and reconstruction.

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The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured ligament of the knee. The incidence of rupture is reported to be 1/3000, and approximately 100,000 reconstructive surgeries are performed annually in the United States. Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament aims to restore mechanical stability to the knee joint and impede formation of osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint issues. Due to the limitations in long term stability and comorbidities associated with current available graft options, the possibility of utilizing tissue engineering to aid in the healing of the anterior cruciate ligament has gained significant attention. The goal of tissue engineering is to develop a degradable scaffold that provides sufficient initial strength and stability to the knee joint to support normal functioning post-implantation, while allowing cells and growth factor infiltration for remodeling and eventual restoration of the ACL. The investigation into the possibility of a tissue engineered ACL graft is still in its early stages. The search for an ideal scaffold construct and cell source continues to be a challenge. However, earlier studies show promise and future investigations are sure to bring us closer to in vivo implementation and utilization of an appropriately engineered ACL graft with the structural integrity comparable to the native ACL.

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