Augmented Over‐The‐Top Technique for Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is technically demanding, particularly in cases with femoral tunnel malposition or tibial tunnel enlargement. The over-the-top (OTT) technique offers a single-stage solution by avoiding femoral tunnel drilling. However, its main limitation is the reduced graft diameter, typically between 5.5 and 7 mm, which may be insufficient in revision settings. This Technical Note describes an augmentation of the classic OTT technique using a peroneus longus tendon allograft wrapped around preserved-insertion hamstring tendons, achieving graft diameters exceeding 8 mm. Standard arthroscopic portals are used to prepare a standard tibial tunnel, whereas a lateral femoral approach is performed to prepare the OTT point. Femoral fixation is secured with staples, and a lateral extra-articular tenodesis is performed to enhance rotational stability. This combined intra- and extra-articular reconstruction allows single-stage revision even in the presence of tunnel enlargement, improving biomechanical strength and potentially accelerating biological integration through preservation of the tibial insertion. The described technique offers a reliable, reproducible, and cost-effective option for complex anterior cruciate ligament revisions.
Authors
- Joan Carles Monllau (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2418-4874)
- Matteo Messori (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9679-851X)
- Maximiliano Ibáñez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4361-3854)
- Rodolfo Morales-Ávalos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0720-5554)
- Nicola Pizza (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1693-2809)
- Simone Perelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0010-024X)
- J M Gutiérrez Dueñas
Institutions
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (MX)
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (ES)
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda (IT)
- Institut Català de Traumatologia i Medicina de l'Esport (ES)
- Complejo Hospitalario Torrecárdenas (ES)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Arthroscopy Techniques
- Published
- 2025-09-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eats.2025.103856
- Primary Topic
- Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00