Effects of controlling anterior tibial translation preserve sensory-motor function and mechanoreceptor morphology following anterior cruciate ligament injury in rats

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries impair mechanical stability and proprioceptive signaling. Although conventional reconstruction techniques aim to restore joint stability, they often provide limited support for sensory recovery. We investigated whether controlling anterior tibial translation using an intra-articular suture-based stabilization model analogous to external bracing (controlled anterior translation of the tibia; CATT) could preserve sensorimotor function and mechanoreceptor morphology following ACL injury. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to sham, ACL transection (ACLT), and CATT groups. Sensorimotor performance was assessed using a balance beam test, and compound muscle action potentials were recorded to evaluate peripheral nerve function. Histological and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to quantify mechanoreceptors at the ACL attachment sites. The ACLT group exhibited impaired motor coordination and an increased number of atypical mechanoreceptors. By contrast, the CATT group demonstrated partial restoration of ligament continuity, improved sensorimotor outcomes, and preservation of typical mechanoreceptors. The significant correlation between mechanoreceptor count and behavioral performance supports the role of mechanoreceptor morphology in functional recovery. Anterior tibial translation control may help preserve the mechanoreceptor structure and sensorimotor coordination following ACL injury, providing a potential foundation for developing function-focused conservative strategies beyond structural repair.