Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, can an anatomic femoral tunnel be achieved with the trans-tibial technique? Cadaveric study

Purpose To evaluate the possibility to access the anatomic femoral insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) through trans-tibial (TT) and trans-portal technique, for ACL reconstruction in an independent way. To register anatomical characteristics of the TT tunnels. Methods Ten formaldehyde preserved knee anatomic articular specimens were dissected. Femoral tunnels were confectioned reproducing the original topography of the ACL. First, the femoral tunnel was made with the independent trans-portal technique. Then, utilizing the tibial stump of the ACL and tibial guides at 45°, the TT tunnels were confectioned trying to match the previously made femoral tunnel by trans-portal technique. Results In all specimens, match between the TT tunnel with the independent trans-portal tunnel was achieved. Mean values for TT coronal angle was 53,0°, for transversal angle 43,3° and for distance from tunnel to joint line 2,55 cm. A horizontalization and medialization of the TT tunnels had to be made to adequately match with the femoral tunnel made by the independent trans-portal technique. Conclusions By macroscopic anatomic and independent means, an anatomic femoral tunnel was confectioned with the TT technique matching with the anatomic femoral tunnel made in an independent way. As clinical relevance, the present study allows to anatomically assess the possibility to perform an anatomic femoral tunnel through the TT technique. Level of evidence V

306 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Rupture: Analysis of Anteromedial Versus Trans-Tibial Portal Technique for Femoral Tunnel Placement in 473 Patients

Introduction Correct femoral tunnel position in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is critical in obtaining good clinical outcomes. We aimed to delineate whether any difference exists between the anteromedial and trans-tibial portal femoral tunnel placement techniques on the primary outcome of ACLR, graft rupture. Method Adult patients (>18 years old) who underwent primary ACLR between January 2011 - January 2018 were identified and divided based on portal technique (anteromedial v trans-tibail). The primary outcome measure was graft rupture. Univariate analysis was used to delineate association between independent variables and outcome. Binary logistic regression was utilised to delineate odds ratios of significant variables. Results 473 patients were analysed. Median age at surgery was 27 years old (range 18-70). 152/473 (32.1%) patients were anteromedial group compared to 321/473 (67.9%) trans-tibial. 25/473 (5.3%) patients sustained graft rupture. Median time to graft rupture was 12 months (IQR 9). A higher odd for graft rupture was associated with the anteromedial group, which trended towards significance (OR 2.03; 95% CI 0.90 - 4.56, p = 0.081). Conclusions There is no statistically significant difference in ACLR graft rupture rates when comparing anteromedial and trans-tibial portal technique for femoral tunnel placement. There was a trend towards higher rupture rates in the anteromedial portal group.

Arthroscopically Assisted Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Autograft: Challenges and Solutions of Medial Independent Femoral Tunnel Drilling

Background: As the main translational and rotatory stabilizer of the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a critical role in knee biomechanics. Anterior cruciate ligament ruptures generally require surgical attention for not only restoration of knee stability but also prevention of meniscal and chondral injuries. There are countless options for both the surgeon and the patient when contemplating graft choice and surgical technique for ACL reconstruction. However, the literature assessing the outcomes following various autografts has varied with some studies citing no significant difference in clinical and patient-reported outcomes, while others showing notable advantage when using bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autograft. In addition, there have been challenges associated with femoral tunnel placement using an anteromedial portal technique. Indications: In this study, we present a young female patient with a history of remote mid-substance ACL tear now presenting with worsening knee instability and a bucket-handle medial meniscus tear as a sequela of the incompetent ACL. After extensive discussion regarding the treatment options, patient had decided to proceed with surgical intervention with a BPTB autograft using the anteromedial portal technique for femoral tunnel placement and compression technique with bio-absorbable interference screw fixation. Results: Bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft has been noted to have lower risk of revision when compared with other graft options. Discussion: In this surgical technique study, we underline the importance of peritenon handling. We highlight the use of a 70-degree arthroscope to improve posterolateral wall visualization during femoral tunnel placement as well as for inspection of the reamed tibial tunnel. We also provide technique commentary and solutions for management of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) articular surface and femoral tunnel placement using an anteromedial portal technique. Last, we review graft-related outcomes, postoperative management, and rehabilitation protocol.