Advances in surgical technique and our knowledge of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) anatomy have resulted in a marked increase in options for ACL reconstruction. Currently, patient age and activity level, surgeon preference and experience, and cost are factors influencing the type of reconstruction recommended to address knee instability. We present a simplified transtibial method of ACL reconstruction using a single-bundle, doubled tibialis anterior allograft. This method uses fixation with a suspensory device on the femur and a bio-composite interference screw on the tibia. We recommend this simplified technique for primary ACL reconstruction because it minimizes total steps, thus limiting variance, maximizing efficiency, and reducing potential technical error.A nterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most common procedures performed by orthopaedic surgeons with the goal of restoring functional stability.1 Advances in surgical technique have resulted in a marked improvement in outcomes, and current options for surgical reconstruction are numerous.2,3 The choice of reconstruction technique is dependent on surgeon experience and numerous patient factors, in balance with considerations of cost, efficacy, and long-term outcomes. We propose a single-bundle transtibial method using a doubled tibialis anterior allograft fixed with a suspensory device on the femoral cortex and a bio-composite interference screw in the tibia. We believe this technique simplifies ACL reconstruction by limiting the number of steps with an aim at reducing potential errors while providing an anatomic reconstruction.
Surgical TechniqueACL reconstruction (Video 1) is performed by combining general anesthesia and a continuous-infusion femoral nerve catheter (0.2% ropivacaine) left in place for 72 hours to maximize pain control and minimize need for systemic narcotics. The patient is placed supine on a standard operating table, and full examination of the knee is performed including grading of the Lachman, anterior drawer, and pivot-shift tests. A lateral post is placed high on the thigh, and the leg is prepared and draped in sterile fashion. The leg is allowed to hang laterally over the side of the table and flexed to a minimum of 90. A lateral parapatellar portal is then made with a No. 11 blade even with the distal pole of the patella, creating an incision larger at the skin than the joint (one-way valve). A complete diagnostic evaluation is performed using lactated Ringer solution with epinephrine (1 mL of 1:1,000 per 5 L) and gravity flow. Concomitant meniscal or chondral pathology is noted and addressed. A medial working portal is then created with a No. 11 blade after localization with a spinal needle. The portal is placed just proximal and medial to the anterior horn of the medial meniscus. A 4.5-mm vacuum shaver is introduced through a medial working portal, and the torn fibers of the ACL are debrided minimally, focusing on those subluxated anteriorly and the midsubstance elements that are displaced. Ca...