The femoral tunnel view test during ACL reconstruction can ensure tunnel integrity.

Objective: Violation of the posterior femoral cortex commonly referred to as posterior wall blowout, can be a devastating intraoperative complication in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and can lead to loss of graft fixation or early graft failure. This study describes and analyzes whether the femoral tunnel view test can ensure the integrity of the femoral tunnel during ACLR.

Methods: Intraoperative femoral tunnel integrity using the 360° arthroscopic view test was performed in 584 ACLR patients between 2014 and 2016.

A Femoral Tunnel View Test During ACL Reconstruction.

Despite technologic advances in the surgical techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, some patients continue to have violation of the femoral cortex, commonly referred to as wall blowout. These posterior or lateral cortical breaches lead to loss of graft containment and subsequent difficulty with graft fixation. If this intraoperative error is not promptly recognized and treated, the graft is at an increased risk of premature failure.