The rubber fat pad retractor: use in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery requires adequate visualization of the anterior intercondylar area. Described is a quick, inexpensive, safe, and easily learned technique. Secondary benefits of the improved visualization provided by the technique include increased ease of the portal entry, facility for dry intraarticular arthroscopy, and harvest of drilled bone for later grafting of donor sites. The technique is described for use in arthroscopic knee surgery, but can be adapted for use in other joints and procedures.