Transitioning to anatomic anterior cruciate ligament graft placement

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction techniques continue to improve. Recent biomechanical studies have found improved rotational stability as femoral tunnel placement becomes more horizontal and closer to the true ACL footprint. Clinical studies also correlate improved outcomes with these more anatomic reconstructions. This article reviews the transition from traditional to anatomic ACL reconstructions, as well as 3 techniques for achieving this: the modified transtibial technique, use of an accessory medial portal, and the retrograde drilling technique.