Postoperative evaluation of tibial footprint and tunnels characteristics after anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with anatomic aimers.

Following anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring tendon autografts, 38 consecutive patients were evaluated with high-speed three-dimensional computed tomography. Scans were performed within 3 days following surgery. The length and width of the reconstructed ACL footprint were measured on axial images.

Anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with anatomic aimers.

Graft positioning is a key issue in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and even more sensitive in double-bundle reconstruction, where 2 tunnels have to be drilled within the ACL footprints at both the femoral and tibial insertion sites. Specific ancillary instruments have been developed to facilitate the positioning of the 4 sockets necessary when performing anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction. This technical note describes the rationale and the step-by-step method of using the specific aimers developed for this purpose.

Influence of knee flexion angle on femoral tunnel characteristics when drilled through the anteromedial portal during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of knee flexion angle for drilling the femoral tunnel during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction via the anteromedial (AM) portal on resulting tunnel orientation and length.

Methods: In 8 fresh cadaveric knees, the ACL was excised and 2.4-mm guidewires were drilled through the AM bundle footprint using a 5-mm endofemoral aimer via the AM portal.