Abstract
Evaluation of transtibial aiming of the femoral tunnel at its anatomical position in arthroscopical ACL reconstruction.
43 ACL reconstructions with hamstrings’ graft were studied. First, the femoral tunnel was drilled through the anteromedial portal at 09.30–10.00 (14.00–14.30 resp.) and then the tibial tunnel (av. anteroposterior angle: 63,5°, sagittal: 64,2°) at the same diameter with simoultaneous radiological documentation. Then, with a femoral aiming device, we tried to put a K-wire at the center of the drilled femoral tunnel. Fotographic documentation took place. In 20 cases the diameter of the tunnels was 7mm, in 11, 7,5mm, in 7, 8mm, in 3, 8,5mm and in 1, 9mm. Evaluation of all radiological and photographic material from 2 observers followed, according to the deviation of the transtibial K-wire from the center of the femoral tunnel.
38 ACL reconstructions were evaluated. It was shown that in 11 cases the transtibial K-wire was in the femoral tunnel (28,9%) (in 7 with a diameter of 7mm., in 2 with 7,5mm. and in 2 with 8mm.). The K-wire was in 23 cases (60,5%) at the perimeter or out of the femoral tunnel (in 11, with a diameter of 7mm., in 8 with 7,5mm., in 4 with 8mm., in 3 with 8,5mm. and in 1 with 9mm.). There was no correlation with the angles of the tibial tunnel or the age of the patients.
Transtibial aiming of the femoral tunnel at its anatomical position is very difficult and there is no correlation of the transtibial deviation with the diameter of the tibial tunnel.
Correspondence should be addressed to Anastasia C. Tilentzoglou MD, General Secretary of the Board of Directors of HAOST, 20 A. Fleming Str. (N.Filothei), Gr. 15123 Maroussi, Athens Greece. E-mail: info@eexot.gr
