X-ray evaluation of interferential femoral screw positioning in ACL reconstruction

In a total of 27 patients the authors performed reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using the mid third of the free patellar tendon (bone-tendon-bone), stabilized with two interferential wires, using a mini-arthrotomic half-tunnel in-out method. X-ray examination in two orthogonal views allows for an evaluation of the orientation of the femoral screw in relation to the joint plane and the diaphyseal axis, and its relationship with the bone graft, thus obtaining useful information on its anchoring. The method used is that reported by Lemos et al. (1993). The results obtained agree with those reported by the American author and substantiate the reliability of the method.