A new technique to avoid articular cartilage injury in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction through far antero-medial portal.

Far antero-medial (FAM) portal technique is usually used in our department in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction when drilling the femoral tunnel. Although the FAM portal technique carries potential risks, such as cartilage injury of the lateral femoral condyle, peroneal nerve injury and blow out of the lateral femoral condyle's posterior wall, these problems were resolved in a cadaveric study, in which 110°-120°knee flexion was recommended when drilling the femoral tunnel. However, there is a potential risk of injuring the cartilage of the medial femoral condyle especially when drilling the postero-lateral bundle. A new method is proposed to ensure that the femoral tunnel drilling does not damage the cartilage of the medial femoral condyle.