Equilae presents a modification to the hybrid technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children

Designing and perfecting the various ligament reconstruction techniques is one of our main objectives at Equilae, particularly when dealing with paediatric patients.

In recent years, an increase has been detected in the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in children, probably due to the fact that these patients are more actively involved in sporting activities with higher demands in terms of knee rotation.

Dr Juan Ignacio Erquicia, a member of the Equilae team, is now sharing a modification to the conventional hybrid technique used to reconstruct the ACL in paediatric patients.

The aim of this modification is to enable ligament reconstruction which does not damage the femoral physis with a mixed femoral tunnel, thus avoiding the “killer angle” and subsequent failure of the reconstruction. The modification in the sequence when carrying out the femoral tunnel enables ACL reconstruction using a slightly curved tunnel which protects the graft.

The technique presented is anatomical, reproducible and involves minimal or no use of X-rays. It would be indicated in patients with a Tanner stage of between 2 and 4, with tibial fixation using an interference or post-type screw, depending on the size of the tibial physis.

Here at Equilae, we are continuing research to improve our reconstruction techniques.

You can watch the video here (which has also been published on the Smith & Nephew site: Education & Evidence) which shows the modification of this technique in paediatric patients.