Editorial Commentary: Does “No Difference” Really Mean “No Difference”? Not All Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transtibial Drilling Techniques Are Created Equal

Abstract

Despite the preponderance of biomechanical data suggesting that independent femoral tunnel drilling results in more favorable knee kinematics and superior anterior cruciate ligament footprint restoration when compared with transtibial tunnel drilling, equivalent clinical outcomes associated with both techniques continue to be reported. However, readers could contemplate the meaning of "clinical equivalence" and, perhaps, find themselves wanting better ways to detect differences between surgical techniques.

Editorial Commentary: Treating Patients With Recurrent Patellar Instability With an Individualized, Anatomic Approach Is Needed: Learn From the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

“…Does "no difference" actually mean no difference? 15 On the contrary, I would argue that our reporting of clinical outcomes is not granular enough, our characterization of patient populations are not precise and consistent enough, and that real differences do exist. We should continue to elucidate the specific patient factors necessitating additional bony procedures and standardize reporting of these factors in clinical research.…”