Trends in Clinical and Medical Sciences

Study of tibial ACL footprint in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction-correlation between pre-op MRI and intra-op measurements using arthroscopic ruler

Nandeesh S\(^{1,*}\), Ambrish Sharma\(^{1}\), Raju K P\(^{1}\) and Sumit Kumar\(^{1}\)
\(^{1}\) Department of Orthopaedics, BGS Global Institute of Medical Science, Kengeri, Bangalore-560060
Correspondence should be addressed to Nandeesh S at drs.nandeesh@hotmail.com

Abstract

Background: Currently measuring the preoperative size of the ACL tibial footprint. Length on sagittal MRI view is measured as the most anterior and most posterior portion of the ACL tibial attachment. To have an accurate measurement for the size of an ACL footprint, the ability to accurately identify the insertion site on MRI is important.
Methodology: 20 patients with ACL tear were included in the study.
Results: The mean age of the study participants was found to be 29.35+6.507 years. The mean weight of the study participants was found to be 75.55+12.84. The mean pre-op Tibial footprint of the study participants was found to be 12.54+2.24. The mean intra-op Tibial footprint of the study participants was found to be 12.87+1.53. The correlation was found to be statistically significant between the pre-op findings and the intra-op findings.
Conclusion: Tibial foot print length measured preoperatively on MRI can be used as a strong predictor for actual tibial length which can be helpful for prior planning of ACL reconstruction to improve the outcome.

Keywords:

Anterior cruciate ligament; tibial footprint; ACL reconstruction; MRI.