The Quad Link Technique for an All-Soft-Tissue Quadriceps Graft in Minimally Invasive, All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

The quadriceps tendon autograft has become an attractive option for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) because of its robust size and versatility as a graft. Emerging literature has shown impressive biomechanical viability and promising clinical outcomes. The substantial size of a quadriceps graft and the shorter graft requirement of the all-inside approach obviate the need to harvest a bone plug for supplemental graft length and allow the use of an all-soft-tissue graft. The recent development of sophisticated harvest tools has mitigated prior issues reported with quadriceps tendon harvest. Quadriceps graft harvest is now less technically challenging, more reproducible, and can be done through a minimally invasive incision. However, an optimal technique for attachment of the adjustable loop suspensory fixation devices to an all-soft-tissue quadriceps tendon graft has yet to be established. We describe our method for quadriceps tendon harvest and present the Quad Link technique for attachment of adjustable loop suspensory fixation devices to a quadriceps graft for ACLR.

Figures

Fig 1

Patient in the supine position with left knee in flexion and a lateral post used. (A) After properly exposing the distal extent of the quadriceps tendon and the proximal pole of the patella, the quad tendon graft harvester (Arthrex) is used to score the tendon starting from 3 cm proximal to the proximal pole of the patella. This initial 1-cm-long score is then continued 3 cm distally and 3 cm proximally, completing a 7-cm score of the tendon from the proximal pole of the patella. (B) The distal quadriceps tendon is excised from its insertion on the patella using a No. 15 blade knife, taking care not to extend outside the medial and lateral bounds of the initial tendon score. A No. 1 Ethibond suture is whip-stitched through the free portion of the tendon to create a traction suture. The excision is continued to the proximalmost extent of our initial cutting guide score. It is important to maintain a consistent depth of excision during this process. (C) The quad tendon cutter (Arthrex) is used in line with the valgus anatomic axis of the femur until a 7-cm segment of the tendon is free, using the measuring guide on the handle as a reference. The tendon is then cut by releasing the safety handle and pulling the trigger.

Fig 2

The graft is prepared on the back table. (A) The starting points for fixation of the adjustable loop devices to the graft are marked 20 mm from each end, resulting in 30 mm of graft between the 2 lines. The end of the graft formerly attached to the patella will become the femoral end of the graft, prepared with 1 adjustable loop device (Arthrex TightRope Reverse Tensioning [RT]), and the former proximal end will serve as the tibial end, prepared with another adjustable loop device (Arthrex TightRope Attachable Button System [ABS]). (B) A Keith needle, threaded with a heavy nonabsorbable suture (FiberTape; Arthrex), is inserted from the superior surface of the graft at the premarked line, through the midsubstance of the tendon. It is preferable to use the smallest-caliber Keith needle to maintain maximum graft integrity. (C) After the initial 2 cm loop is made on the superior surface of the graft, the needle is brought back through the inferior surface of the graft 2 mm proximal to the initial entry point, leaving a 2-cm loop on the inferior surface of the graft. (D) The middle of the adjustable loop device (TightRope ABS) is laid over the graft, oriented perpendicular to the graft's long axis, between the base of the superior free suture loop and the free suture ends. (E) The free ends are brought through the loop, creating a cinch knot to secure the apex of the adjustable loop device to the superior surface of the graft. (F) View of the graft after tightening the superior and inferior aspects of the cinch loop over the adjustable loop device.

Fig 3

The graft is prepared on the back table. (A) The free suture limb nearest the surgeon is whip-stitched over the ipsilateral adjustable loop limb. The needle is brought through the inferior surface of the graft, 4-5 mm distal to the apex of the adjustable loop device to make a loop around the adjustable loop limb. The first whip-stitch is locked over the adjustable loop limb. (B) The needle is then brought through the graft again in the same fashion for a total of 3 to 4 whip-stitches in 4- to 5-mm increments. These are nonlocking whip-stitches. (C) Completed fixation of 1 adjustable loop limb. (D) Completed fixation of both adjustable loop limbs. (E) The other adjustable loop device (Arthrex TightRope Reverse Tensioning [RT]) is then fixed to the femoral end of the graft with an additional free suture (FiberTape; Arthrex) using the same method described in the previous steps. (F) Completed fixation of both adjustable loop devices to the tibial and femoral ends of the graft, using the Quad Link Technique. An additional line is then marked at the center of the graft (3.5 cm from each end). This will serve as an arthroscopic indicator for proper graft placement in the knee.

Fig 4

Patient in the supine position with left knee in flexion and a lateral post used. (A) A standard anatomic femoral socket is drilled using a retrodrill (FlipCutter; Arthrex), ensuring a socket at least 5-10 mm deeper than the length of the intraosseous portion of the graft end (25-30 mm deep for a 7-cm graft) is achieved to prevent graft laxity. (B) Arthroscopic view from the anteromedial portal of the femoral socket being drilled with the retrodrill. (C) A free suture (FiberStick; Arthrex) is passed from the femoral socket to the anterolateral portal and is docked. (D) A standard anatomic tibial socket is drilled using the retrodrill, under arthroscopic observation from the anterolateral portal. Again, it is important to ensure the socket is drilled at least 5-10 mm deeper than the length of the intraosseous portion of the graft end to prevent graft laxity. (E) The femoral adjustable loop device is passed from the anteromedial portal to the femoral socket using the femoral socket free suture as a shuttle, under arthroscopic visualization from the anterolateral portal. The femoral end of the graft is brought into the femoral socket but not seated completely. (F) Arthroscopic view from the anterolateral portal of the femoral adjustable loop device being brought into the femoral socket. (G) Arthroscopic view from the anterolateral portal of the tibial end of the graft being brought into the tibial socket, prior to being completely seated within the socket. (H) Arthroscopic view from the anterolateral portal of the final graft position prior to the tibial button being tied, the knee being ranged, and the femoral button being secured. The tibial socket is located at the inferior aspect of the image. The line drawn at the middle of the graft during the graft preparation stage (3.5 cm from the ends) is located at the superior aspect of the image. This line serves as an indicator that the graft is approximately centered in the knee.