COMPUTER-ASSISTED RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT: THE FLUOROSCOPIC TECHNIQUE

Purpose: Several studies have reported results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction showing the influence of the position of the transplant. We choose the anatomic position. In order to optimise this position, we developed a navigation system using intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging.Material and methods: Thirty-five patients underwent ACL reconstruction using the computer-assisted technique. We used a fluoroscope connected to the computer equipped with an acquisition module and an image processing module which captures the lateral view of the knee provided by the fluoroscope. Surgery was performed arthroscopically. After inserting landmarks (mini-screws for the femoral end and pins for the tibial end) on the theoretically ideal positions, the computer determined the theoretical anatomic position of the tibial and femoral insertions of the ACL. The position was then validated or modified and re-validated. Postoperative radiograms (lateral view of the knee) were used to analyse the position i...