The use of the 70° arthroscope for anatomic femoral and tibial tunnel placement and tunnel viewing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

ABSTRACT

The use of the 70° arthroscope in knee surgery is not a new concept, and it is frequently used in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. There are previous reports of its use in anterior cruciate ligament surgery, but it has not achieved routine use. With the move toward anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, it is recognized that accurate tunnel placement is vital for a good clinical outcome. Visualization of the femoral and tibial footprints can be variable with the use of only an anterolateral viewing portal, and it may be necessary to create accessory anteromedial portals, which can cause problems with instrument crowding. Overall, the 70° arthroscope provides an excellent view of the femoral and tibial footprints and a view of the full length of the femoral and tibial tunnels through a single anterolateral viewing portal.