Technical note: double tibial tunnel using quadriceps tendon in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

To avoid complications related to the use of patellar tendon and hamstring (semitendinosus and gracilis) tendon and to create a more anatomic reconstruction, we present a new technique based on the use of quadriceps tendon placed in a single half femoral tunnel and double tibial tunnels. The graft, harvested by a central longitudinal incision, possesses the following characteristics: (1) a bone plug 20 mm long and 10 mm in diameter; (2) a tendon component 7 to 8 cm long, 10 mm wide, and 8 mm thick; and (3) division of the tendon longitudinally into 2 bundles while maintaining the patellar insertion. Every bundle has a width and thickness of approximately 5 mm and 8 mm, respectively. The total length of the graft is 9 to 10 cm. A 10-mm half femoral tunnel is drilled through a low anteromedial portal with the knee flexed at 120 degrees. A suture loop is left in place in the half tunnel. A double tibial tunnel is drilled in a convergent manner (from outside to inside) obtaining an osseous bridge between the 2 tunnels. Two suture loops are passed trough the tibial tunnels and retrieved in a plastic cannula (10 mm) positioned in the anteromedial portal to allow the passage of the 2 bundles in the tibial tunnels. The suture loop left in the half tunnel permits the transportation of the bone plug in the femoral tunnel. Fixation is achieved by an interference screw at the femoral side and by 2 absorbable interference screws (1 for each tunnel). The advantages of this technique are a more cross-sectional area (80 mm(2)), greater bone-tendon interface, and a more anatomic reconstruction. Theoretically, easier bone incorporation, decreased windshield wiper and bungee effect, fewer donor site problems, and less tunnel enlargement can also be possible.