Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (10): 2491-2502.doi: 10.12307/2026.611

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Functional impacts of bone bruise and combined injuries in anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Zhang Shuang1, Huang Zishuai1, Wang Jian2   

  1. 1Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China; 2Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
  • Received:2025-03-10 Accepted:2025-06-28 Online:2026-04-08 Published:2025-08-28
  • Contact: Wang Jian, MD, Chief physician, Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
  • About author:Zhang Shuang, MS candidate, Physician, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament injury, one of the most prevalent sports-related injuries, is often accompanied by bone bruises, meniscal tears, and medial collateral ligament damage. Bone bruises, caused by high-energy loading-induced microstructural damage to trabecular bone, exhibit specific distribution patterns that are correlated with anterior cruciate ligament tear locations and knee injury mechanisms. However, further exploration is required to elucidate the distribution patterns, biomechanical mechanisms of bone bruises, and their associations with combined injuries.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution patterns and characteristics of bone bruises in anterior cruciate ligament injuries, their relationship with injury mechanisms, and their correlations with combined injuries and functional outcomes, thereby providing evidence-based insights to formulate clinical treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
METHODS: The first author conducted an initial literature search in March 2024, supplemented by additional searches from August 2024 to October 2024. Databases including PubMed, Embase, and CNKI were queried for studies on knee bone bruises using a combination of subject headings and free-text terms. The search terms included “bone bruise, bone contusion, anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, cartilage damage, meniscus injury, medial collateral ligament, MRI” in English as well as “bone contusion, bone injury, anterior cruciate ligament, cartilage damage, meniscus injury, medial collateral ligament, magnetic resonance imaging, MRI” in Chinese. The search timeframe spanned from January 1, 2000, to October 1, 2024.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 88 articles were selected for analysis. Bone bruises are common concomitant injuries following anterior cruciate ligament damage, predominantly localized in the lateral tibial plateau and lateral femoral condyle. Their distribution patterns are closely linked to anterior cruciate ligament injury mechanisms, with valgus stress, anterior tibial translation, and internal rotation identified as primary contributors. The severity of bone bruises reflects the mechanical load sustained during injury and correlates significantly with knee laxity and functional impairment. Additionally, bone bruises are strongly associated with combined injuries, including meniscal tears, cartilage damage, and medial collateral ligament injuries. Increased bone bruise severity and the presence of combined injuries may markedly reduce functional scores, delay rehabilitation, and adversely affect long-term patient outcomes. Bone bruises serve not only as critical imaging markers of anterior cruciate ligament injuries but also as key indicators for evaluating injury mechanisms, predicting combined injuries, and assessing long-term knee prognosis. These findings provide multifaceted biomechanical evidence to support precise injury severity assessments and individualized clinical management strategies.

Key words: anterior cruciate ligament, bone bruise, meniscal injury, cartilage injury, medial collateral ligament injury, biomechanics, MRI

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