Histological changes and apoptosis of cartilage layer in human anterior cruciate ligament tibial insertion after rupture

The purpose of this study is to investigate the histological changes and apoptosis of cartilaginous layers in human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial insertion at different time periods after rupture. By using a core reamer, 35 tibial insertions of ruptured ACLs were obtained during primary ACL reconstructions (number of days after injury: 19–206 days). A histological examination was performed and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl...