Tibial-graft fixation methods on anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions: a literature review.

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the most performed orthopedic surgical procedure. The result of ACL reconstructions depends on multiple technical variables, including tension to be applied to the graft for fixation, knee-flexion angle during fixation and the type of fixation to the bone.

Objective: To carry out a survey of the literature with the best evidence on these themes.

Methods: Literature review about methods of tibial-graft fixation in ACL reconstructions - tension applied at the time of fixation, type of graft fixation, and knee-flexion degree during tibial fixation.

Results: Thirty studies on the selected topics were found. Most studies point to graft-tension levels close to 90 N to obtain the best results. Regarding the knee-flexion angle, multiple studies suggest that fixation at a 30° angle would bring superior biomechanical advantages. Regarding the type of implant for fixation, it is not possible to affirm the superiority of one method over another in clinical outcomes.

Conclusions: There is no consensus on the best method for tibial fixation of the grafts in ACL reconstructions regarding tension, type of implant and knee-flexion angle. However, the analysis of the studies pointed to certain trends and allowed the drawing of specific conclusions.