title: Preoperative computerized radiograph measurement of Blumensaat's line as an aid to correct placement of the femoral tunnel in ACL reconstruction.
abstract: Numerous studies have shown that the improper placement of the graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a major cause of graft failure, capturing of the knee, and notch roof impingement. The ideal femoral position is located in the posterior one quarter of Blumensaat's line as seen on a true lateral knee radiograph. We present a simple method that relies on the use of preoperative radiographic measurement and a calibrated guide to ensure that the femoral tunnel is sufficiently far back along the roof of the notch, using the easily identifiable anterior end of the notch as a reference point.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alistair
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pace
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fergusson
mesh_terms: D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted