The role of transpaterllar viewing portal in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Background Anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction aims to place the ACL graft within its anatomical orientation. Malposition of the graft especially on the femoral side is the persisting complication of ACL reconstruction. The lateral femoral condyle can be visualized by the transpatellar viewing portal to place the graft in a more anatomical position. Aim To evaluate the result of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using transpatellar portal viewing. Patients and methods This study included 31 patients in whom the torn ACL will be reconstructed arthroscopically using the transpatellar portal viewing and AAMP at Tanta University Hospital with a period of 6 months of follow-up. Results Transpatellar portal technique has been used to create the femoral tunnel independently to the tibial tunnel for more anatomic position that lead to improvement in rotational stability, without increased complexity. The central portal offers the advantage of more anatomical ACL reconstruction with improved femoral footprint placement. Transpatellar portal provides an excellent visualization of the femoral footprint and therefore reduces the incidence of improper tunnel positioning during ACL reconstruction without significant complications. Conclusion Anatomical insertion of the hamstring graft using the transpatellar portal viewing can offer an excellent restore of the anterior knee stability.