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Finite element study on the anatomic transtibial technique for single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

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Abstract

The anatomic transtibial (TT) technique is proposed as a new approach for single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Geometric models of the anatomic TT and anteromedial (AM) portal techniques were fabricated with a reconstructed knee joint model and virtual surgical operations. Grafts of 7 mm diameter were modeled and inserted into tunnels drilled in each model. In the models, the shape of the graft between the femur and the tibia, the lengths of the bone tunnels, and the femoral graft bending angles were evaluated. To evaluate the biomechanical effects of both techniques on the grafts, the contact pressures and maximum principal stresses in the grafts were calculated using the finite element method. The anatomic TT technique placed the femoral tunnel to the anatomic position of the native ACL femoral attachment site. In addition, it decreased the peak contact pressure and the maximum principal stress at the full extension position of the graft compared with the AM portal technique. The anatomic TT technique may be regarded as a superior surgical technique compared with the conventional TT and AM portal techniques. Because of the easy surgical operation involved, the technique decreases the operation time for ACL reconstruction and it provides a deformation behavior of grafts similar to that in the native ACL in a knee joint. With its few side effects, the anatomic TT technique may considerably help patients.

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Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by Chonnam National University, 2013.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Optical Instrumentation Development Team, Korea Basic Science Institute, 169-148 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-806, Republic of Korea

    Ji Yong Bae & Geon-Hee Kim

  2. The Center for Joint Disease, Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University, 160 Ilsimri, Hwasun-Eup, Hwasun-Gun, Jeonnam, 519-809, Republic of Korea

    Jong Keun Seon

  3. School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 300 Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 500-757, Republic of Korea

    Insu Jeon

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  1. Ji Yong Bae
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  2. Geon-Hee Kim
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Correspondence to Insu Jeon.

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Bae, J.Y., Kim, GH., Seon, J.K. et al. Finite element study on the anatomic transtibial technique for single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Med Biol Eng Comput 54, 811–820 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-015-1372-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-015-1372-x

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