Tibial Tunnel Placement for ACL Reconstruction

University of Virginia

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Complete Tear, Knee, Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Rupture of Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Treatments: Procedure: ACL Reconstruction: Anterior Tunnel; Procedure: ACL Reconstruction: Posterior Tunnel

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02374710

17922

Details and patient eligibility

About

Although extensive research has been carried out on Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) femoral tunnel placement, very little attention has been given to the tibial tunnel. Researchers have suggested that the tibial tunnel be placed in the center of the ACL footprint, which they described as being approximately 43% of the way (anterior-to-posterior) across the proximal tibia at its widest extent. However, others have suggested that a more anterior placement may yield improved biomechanical and clinical results. The center of the ACL footprint and the posterior aspect of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus does not yield tibial tunnel placement a consistent percentage of the way across the tibial plateau; therefore, guidelines should be based on intraoperative fluoroscopic measurements. However, the question remaining is what percentage of the anterior-to-posterior distance across the tibia is the ideal location for the tibial tunnel in ACL reconstruction. This study will help answer that question.

Patients with a diagnosed rupture of the ACL who are scheduled for surgical reconstruction will be considered for enrollment. Eligible patients will be allocated to one of two groups based on the location of the tibial tunnel (anterior vs. posterior) during the surgical procedure. In addition to a baseline (pre-operative) evaluation, participants will return for follow-up visits at 6, 12, and 24 months post-surgery. Follow up will be completed at 24 months.

The primary objective of this study is to collect subjective and objective measures of knee-related function in patients with an anterior vs. posterior placed tibial tunnel through 24 months postoperative care.

Enrollment: 90 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 16 to 50 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age at time of randomization: 16 - 50 years (skeletally mature)
• Primary, uncomplicated ACL reconstruction
• Autograft (STG or BPTB)

Exclusion criteria

• Multiple ligament knee injury (full thickness)
• Revision ACL reconstruction
• ACL reconstruction with allograft
• Meniscectomy > 75%
• Treatable articular cartilage lesions
• Diagnosis of tibiofemoral or patellofemoral osteoarthritis (Kellgren Lawrence grade > II)
• Valgus alignment on long-leg cassette (weight bearing line outside of joint center)
• Prior surgery in the ankles, knees, or hips
• Clinical evidence of hip disease
• Patellofemoral joint instability
• Significant patellar or tibiofemoral mal-alignment
• BMI > 35
• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
• Known connective tissue disorder (e.g. Ehlers-Danlos)
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Neurovascular/ circulatory disorder
• Any form of inflammatory arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout, lupus, etc.)
• Significant co-morbid conditions as determined by the investigator (e.g. malignancy, renal, hepatic disease, etc.)
• Known or suspected psychological disorder

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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90 participants in 2 patient groups

ACL Reconstruction: Anterior Tunnel

Experimental group

Description:

During surgery prior to ACL reconstruction, a line will be measured to indicate 35% of the anterior-to-posterior (front to back) distance of the proximal tibia. The tibial tunnel will be placed anterior (in front) of the 35% line.

Treatment:

Procedure: ACL Reconstruction: Anterior Tunnel

ACL Reconstruction: Posterior Tunnel

Active Comparator group

Description:

During surgery prior to ACL reconstruction, a line will be measured to indicate 35% of the anterior-to-posterior (front to back) distance of the proximal tibia. The tibial tunnel will be placed posterior (in back) of the 35% line.

Treatment:

Procedure: ACL Reconstruction: Posterior Tunnel