CT and MRI Based Preop Evaluation of Femoral and Tibial Tunnels in ACL Reconstruction

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of preoperative CT scans in determining femoral and tibial tunnel lengths, comparing these with intraoperative measurements in ACL reconstruction patients, conducted at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital, and Research Institute, Kolhapur, the prospective observational study included forty-eight patients aged 18-50 years. Data collection involved patient histories, clinical examinations, routine radiological exams, and 3D CT scans. Tunnel lengths were measured in millimetres using preoperative CT scans for surgical planning. Results showed that most subjects were aged 31-40 years (52.08%, n=25) and predominantly male (72.92%). The mean preoperative femoral tunnel (FT) length was 37.04 mm (SD = 3.16), and the mean intraoperative length was 37.47 mm (SD = 3.48), with no significant difference (p = 0.05099). The mean preoperative tibial tunnel (TT) length was 18.79 mm (SD = 4.03), and the intraoperative length was 19.59 mm (SD = 3.22), also with no significant difference (p = 0.05506). Preoperative CT scans provide accurate measurements of femoral and tibial tunnel lengths, closely matching intraoperative measurements, which is crucial for optimal graft fixation and successful ACL reconstruction.