“Retrograde Technique” for Drilling the Femoral Tunnel in an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Recent literature has led some surgeons to drill the femoral tunnel in an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction through an accessory anteromedial portal. Several techniques have been reported for the safe, effective drilling of the femoral tunnel by this approach. This technical note presents a new “retrograde technique” in which all instruments are passed independently into the notch and across the medial compartment. This technique is safe and reproducible and allows for meticulous evaluation and creation of the femoral tunnel(s) while minimizing steps.