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Athymic Rat Model for Evaluation of Engineered Anterior Cruciate Ligament Grafts
Published on: March 26, 2015
Double-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Rectus Femoris Graft-Superficial Layer of the
Felipe Silveira Martins1, Augusto Thadeu Cardoso Filho1, Sergio Marinho de Gusmão Canuto2
1Clinica de Ortopedia e Traumatologia (COT) Balneário Camboriú, Brazil.
Abstract:
We describe a practical and reproducible technique for anatomic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction using a rectus femoris tendon graft in a double-bundle femoral configuration. The graft is harvested from the superficial layer of the quadriceps tendon and prepared in a Y-shaped construct, creating 2 symmetrical femoral bundles. Outside-in femoral drilling allows precise replication of the anterolateral and posteromedial bundle anatomy, whereas a single tibial tunnel is created from the anterolateral cortex to the PCL footprint under fluoroscopic and arthroscopic guidance. Notably, the graft can be harvested using a conventional tendon stripper typically used for hamstring grafts, avoiding the need for specialized instruments. Fixation is performed with interference screws, and the technique preserves hamstring integrity with minimal donor-site morbidity. This method provides a cost-effective and versatile option for double-bundle PCL reconstruction, with applicability even in resource-limited settings.

