PURPOSE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of femoral tunnel positioning in the reconstruction of the anteromedial (AM) bundle of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) using the most proximal and posterior portion of the lateral femoral condyle cartilage (Point C).

METHODS

From December 2022 to December 2023, 47 patients underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in outside in manner using Point C as an anatomical landmark for AM bundle ACLR. After the procedure, the patients underwent tomographic evaluation to assess the accuracy of the positioning, using Bernard's quadrants. Two evaluators at three different times measured the percentages for each case.

RESULTS

The average distance from Point C to the anterior portion of the lateral femoral condyle was 23.3 mm, and the average correlation value of Point C with the centre of the AM bundle in the horizontal coordinate intraoperatively was 7.7 mm. The average depth values (X coordinate) for evaluator 1 at Time 1 were 23.6%, and at Time 2 were 23.6%. The average height values (Y coordinate) at Time 1 were 22.7%, and at Time 2 were 22.1%. The analysis by the second evaluator at the third time point had an average X coordinate of 23.6% and Y coordinate of 22.3%.

CONCLUSION

Point C proved to be a reliable anatomical landmark, exhibiting good accuracy in mimicking the AM bundle in the femoral tunnel during ACLR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.