Trans-lateral ACL reconstruction. A new technique for anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Currently, the most common method for drilling the femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) employs a trans-tibial technique. A new technique, utilising anteromedial portal drilling has been shown to produce a more anatomical placement of the femoral tunnel than trans-tibial (1). A further recent development is the concept of anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, which makes use of an accessory medial portal to allow medial viewing (2). We describe a new technique, which involves the use of a single medial viewing portal and a single lateral working portal. The Translateral approach requires no accessory medial portal and allows excellent visualisation. Furthermore the entire procedure is carried out with the knee at 90 degrees; there is no requirement for hyper flexion. We believe the Translateral approach will make anatomical ACLR a far safer, more reproducible and accurate procedure than the currently accepted surgical techniques.