Editorial Commentary: Preferred Strategies to Avoid Collision Between Tunnels for Lateral Extra-articular Procedures and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Include Outside-In Drilling, Cortical Fixation, and Use of a Single Femoral Tunnel

Abstract

When performing lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, it is essential to be aware of the possibility of tunnel collision and understand strategies to avoid it. The risk of tunnel collision is high, especially if an anteromedial portal ACL femoral tunnel is drilled. Tunnel collision can be avoided by using a single femoral tunnel for both procedures, outside-in femoral tunnel drilling to place the ACL tunnel a safe distance away from the LEAP, and cortical fixation techniques. Other strategies that have been explored have included anteromedial portal drilling in low degrees of flexion, anterior angulation of LEAP tunnels, and the use of an "anterior Lemaire" position. These alternative strategies are not preferred because they are associated with an increased risk of iatrogenic injuries to important posterolateral structures, penetration of trochlea articular cartilage, and overconstraint, respectively.