Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
08:30
Surgical Retrieval, Isolation and In vitro Expansion of Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament-derived Cells for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: April 30, 2014
Non-Contact, Mechanical Fatigue-Related ACL Injury Prevention Through Extracellular Matrix Crosslink Preservation: A
John Nyland1, Maggie Head2, Essa H Gul2
1Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in young athletes can be reduced with tailored exercise and recovery. Optimizing the extracellular matrix (ECM) through controlled training and rest enhances ACL strength and prevents fatigue-related ruptures.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are rising in young athletes, often due to non-contact, fatigue-related ruptures.
- Understanding the extracellular matrix (ECM) factors contributing to these injuries is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomical, histological, physiological, and biomechanical basis of ECM factors in ACL injuries.
- To synthesize evidence and suggest strategies for reducing ACL injury occurrence.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using specific keywords.
- Review of titles, abstracts, and full-text articles by investigators and a sports orthopedic surgeon.
- Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) grading and synthesis of themes related to ACL mechanobiology and injury.
Main Results:
- Regular exercise within safe loading limits supports ACL ECM health.
- Poor blood supply, slow metabolism, and hypoxia can disrupt anabolic-catabolic homeostasis in the ACL.
- Active rest and recovery strategies, similar to those for other sports injuries, may help prevent non-contact ACL injuries.
Conclusions:
- Prescriptive active rest, recovery intervals, and neuromuscular control training can restore anabolic-catabolic balance.
- These interventions may increase crosslink density and improve ACL ECM strength.
- Further research is needed to optimize therapeutic intervention timing, dosage, and frequency.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Extracellular Matrix
Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...