Anatomic double bundle: a new concept in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the quadriceps tendon

Abstract

Surgical procedures for double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, which currently use hamstring graft, have been described, but some concerns remain regarding graft fixation and the ability to obtain adequate bundle size. We report an original double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction technique using a quadriceps tendon graft and a simplified outside-in femoral tunnel-drilling process. The graft consists of a patellar bone block with its attached tendon split into superior and inferior portions, which yields 2 bundles. The anteromedial tunnel is drilled from the outside through a small lateral incision by use of a guide. The posterolateral tunnel is made through the same incision with a specific guide engaged in the anteromedial tunnel. A single tibial tunnel is created. The graft is routed from the tibia to the femur with the bone block in the tibial tunnel and the 2 bundles in their respective femoral tunnels. After fixation of the bone block in the tibia, the 2 bundles are tensioned and secured separately in their femoral tunnels.