In order to verify the improvement to choose the better ligament that may be used in knee surgical repair, we performed a comparative analysis of the amount of the elastic fibers system between the patellar and cruciates ligaments. Samples of these ligaments obtained from seven human corpses were studied. Histomorphometric study of the elastic fibers, stained by selective methods didn't show differences in the total amount of all types of elastic fibers, in all three ligaments studied. No difference either was found in the amount of mature elastic fibers. However, the amount of mature and elaunin elastic fibers was significantly different. The anterior cruciate ligament had a greater amount of mature and elaunin elastic fibers, responsible for elasticity. So, the posterior cruciate and the patellar ligaments have more oxytalan elastic fibers, responsible for resistance. We concluded that the posterior cruciate and the patellar ligaments have similar structure and seem more related to transmittance of force, whereas the anterior cruciate ligament is related to elasticity of the knee joint.
