Comparison of Modified Transtibial and Anteromedial Portal Techniques in Anatomic Single-Bundle ACL Reconstruction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical, 3-dimensional computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and second-look arthroscopic findings of the modified transtibial technique with those of the anteromedial portal technique in single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (SB-ACLR). Among patients who underwent SB-ACLR from February 2012 to May 2014, 95 patients with a minimum of 36 months of follow-up were included in this retrospective study. Forty-five patients underwent a reconstruction using the modified transtibial technique. Fifty patients underwent a reconstruction using the anteromedial portal technique. Clinical scores and stabilities were recorded preoperatively and at final followup. All patients had postoperative computed tomography and the computed tomography parameters, including tunnel position and graft obliquity, evaluated. Additionally, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging and secondlook arthroscopy were performed. On the basis of the functional and stability outcomes, all of the patients showed significant improvement after SB-ACLR, with no significant differences existing between the 2 groups (P>.05). Tunnel position and obliquity were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P>.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding the magnetic resonance imaging and second-look arthroscopy findings (P>.05). The tunnel characteristics and clinical results of the 2 techniques were comparable. Given the several advantages of the modified transtibial technique, including its simplicity and patients' greater activity level, it is suitable for anatomic SB-ACLR.