Anatomic reconstruction of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament using hamstring tendon grafts

Abstract

Purpose: To develop and evaluate an anatomic reconstruction procedure of the posterolateral and anteromedial bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Type of study: Anatomic study and case series.

Methods: The femoral attachment of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of the ACL was anatomically analyzed with 5 cadaveric knees. Using another 3 cadaveric knees, anatomic reconstruction of the posterolateral and anteromedial bundles was performed with the transtibial technique, and tunnel positioning and graft function in a range of knee motion was observed. Based on this anatomic study, an anatomic reconstruction procedure of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles was developed using hamstring tendon autografts. This procedure was carried out in 57 consecutive patients with an ACL-deficient knee. The patients were followed-up for a minimum of 24 months.

Results: We developed the arthroscopically assisted anatomic reconstruction procedure of the posterolateral and anteromedial bundles, involving a new method of creating the tibial and femoral tunnels for the posterolateral bundle. To visualize the femoral attachment of the posterolateral bundle, the medial infrapatellar portal was more useful than the lateral portal. In clinical results, the side-to-side difference of anterior laxity averaged 1.0 mm with a standard deviation of 0.9.

Conclusions: The anatomic reconstruction of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles using hamstring tendon autografts is clinically practical in the treatment for the ACL-deficient knee.

Level of evidence: Level IV.