Enhanced Bone-Tendon-Bone Approach for Open Anterior Cruciate Ligament Replacement With Conservation of the Joint Capsule

Abstract

Arthroscopic procedures for ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common standard. However, there are strong alternatives to this standard. The purpose of this study is to present a precise, fast, and minimally invasive but open procedure for reconstruction of the ruptured ACL. The torn ACL is substituted by a widely used bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autograft. After the BPTB graft has been harvested, the Hoffa body is exposed and mobilized ventrally. The surgeon then has a free view of the remnants of the torn ACL, which are to be removed completely. Through the tibial and femoral footprints of the ACL, a tunnel is drilled under a direct view, thus ensuring optimal anatomic positioning of the BPTB graft. The described approach is simple in handling and advantageous because all steps are performed under a direct view, which improves overall precision and intraoperative functional control.