We present a new technique for the combined intra-and extra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Intra-articular reconstruction is performed in an outside-in manner according to the precepts of the anatomic femoral tunnel technique. Extra-articular reconstruction is performed with the gracilis tendon while respecting the anatomic parameters of the origin and insertion points and the path described for the knee anterolateral ligament.

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Background:Recent anatomical studies have identified the anterolateral ligament (ALL). Injury to this structure may lead to the presence of residual pivot shift in some reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament. The behavior of the length of this structure and its tension during range of motion has not been established and is essential when planning reconstruction.Purpose:To establish differences in the ALL length during range of knee motion.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Ten unpaired cadavers were dissected. The attachments of the ALL were isolated. Its origin and insertion were marked with a 2 mm–diameter metallic sphere. Computed tomography scans were performed on the dissected parts under extension and 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion; measurements of the distance between the 2 markers were taken at all mentioned degrees of flexion. The distances between the points were compared.Results:The mean ALL length increased with knee flexion. Its mean length at full extension and at 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion was 37.9 ± 5.3, 39.3 ± 5.4, 40.9 ± 5.4, and 44.1 ± 6.4 mm, respectively. The mean increase in length from 0° to 30° was 3.99% ± 4.7%, from 30° to 60° was 4.20% ± 3.2%, and from 60° to 90° was 7.45% ± 4.8%. From full extension to 90° of flexion, the ligament length increased on average 16.7% ± 12.1%. From 60° to 90° of flexion, there was a significantly higher increase in the mean distance between the points compared with the flexion from 0° to 30° and from 30° to 60°.Conclusion:The ALL shows no isometric behavior during the range of motion of the knee. The ALL increases in length from full extension to 90° of flexion by 16.7%, on average. The increase in length was greater from 60° to 90° than from 0° to 30° and from 30° to 60°. The increase in length at higher degrees of flexion suggests greater tension with increasing flexion.Clinical Relevance:Knowledge of ALL behavior during the range of motion of the knee will allow for fixation (during its reconstruction) to be performed with a higher or lower tension, depending on the chosen degree of flexion.

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Level IV, retrospective therapeutic case series.

Randomized controlled trial, Level I.

. Positioning of the femoral tunnel for arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: comparative study of 2 techniques. Clinics. 2007;62(5):613-8. OBJECTIVE:To compare the accuracy of positioning of the femoral tunnel in reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament by means of 2 techniques: tibial tunnel and anteromedial portal. METHOD: Femoral tunnels were drilled in 20 knees from human cadavers by means of arthroscopy. Group I had the femoral tunnel drilled via a trans-tibial tunnel, and Group II via the anteromedial portal. Four variables were measured: A) posterior wall thickness; B) tunnel positioning at the notch; C) tunnel inclination in relation to the femoral axis; and D) distance between the wire guide exit and the lateral epicondyle. RESULTS: As above, respectively, A) 2.23 mm for group I and 2.36 mm for group II (P =.54); B) 25.5° for group I and 30.0° for group II (P =.23); C) 23.9° for group I and 32.0° for group II (P =.02); D) 7.8 cm for group I and 3.9 cm for group II (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques achieved the desired positioning for the femoral tunnel entrance and satisfactory thickness for the posterior cortex. Drilling via the anteromedial portal may provide greater protection against rupture of the posterior wall.

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