Content area

Full Text

Headnote

Abstract

Aim of the study is to evaluate the necessity of using a three portal technique during anatomic single bundle ACL reconstruction. The three portals were: one high and tight anterolateral portal for visualization, a tight anteromedial portal for visualization and instrumentation and a far, low, anteromedial portal for instrumentation. In 5 cases, from a total of 15, we used a three portal technique due to poor visualization of the lateral femoral wall and the ACL footprint from the anterolateral portal. This third, extra portal is particularly good for assessing the femoral footprint and landmarks in order to properly place the femoral tunnel(s) in anatomic ACL reconstruction.

Keywords: ACL reconstruction, portals, anatomic

Introduction

ACL tears are very common injuries among young, active individuals and, represent wellrecognized risk factors for developing knee osteoarthritis [1]. Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction can restore stability and normal knee kinematics. However, long-term follow-up data has shown development of knee osteoarthritis in a significant percentage despite ACL reconstruction [2, 3, 4.]. More and more orthopedic surgeons recognize the necessity of anatomical reconstruction of ACL to prevent knee osteoarthritis in the long term [5]. Placement of the tunnels is an important aspect in ACL reconstruction, drilling in the center of the ACL footprint, both on the femoral and tibia side is desirable. The conventional two-portal technique uses the anterolateral portal as the viewing portal and the anteromedial portal as the working portal [6]. Poor visualization of the lateral femoral wall through the anterolateral portal led to the three-portal technique that uses an anteromedial portal for viewing and an accessory medial portal for drilling.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the necessity of using a three portal technique during anatomic single bundle ACL reconstruction.

Materials and Method

We included 15 patients with chronic ACL tears in the study. All patients were...

Show less