Effects of tibial tunnel position on “killer turn” in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of different angles between tibial tunnel and tibial platform on “killer turn” in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction,and primarily discuss a safe and reasonable tunnel technology. Methods Eighteen fresh tendon grafts were used to reconstruct the PCL on the tibial side of fresh cadavers.The tibial tunnels of all specimens were built via anteromedial approach.Based on the different angles between tibial tunnel and tibial platform,all specimens were divided into Group A (30°),Group B (40°) and Group C (50°),with six specimens in each group.Area of tibial tunnel exit,pressure of tibia tunnel exit and circulation characteristics of tendons under the cyclic load before and after biomechanical test were recorded.ResultsThe area of tibial tunnel exit had statistical difference among three groups after the test ( F =8.80,P ＜ 0.05 ).The pressure of tibial tunnel exit had statistical difference among three groups (F =3.91,P ＜ 0.05 ).The cyclic frequency and fatigue strength of the transplanted tendons had statistical difference among three groups under the same cyclic load ( 256 N ) and same frequency ( 126 Hz ) ( F =4.25,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions The angle between tibial tunnel and tibial platform has negative correlation with the area and pressure of tibial tunnel exit,and has positive correlation with the cyclic frequency and fatigue strength of the transplanted tendons under cyclic load.The ideal anatomy position of the tibial tunnel is the anteromedial tunnel with the angle of 40° between the tibial tunnel and the tibial platform.