Femoral aimer deformation: Potential cause for altered femoral tunnel placement in anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

Abstract

In this case observational study, a standard commercially available femoral aimer used for endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was found to have an abnormal bend in the offset tongue that is normally placed in the over-the-top position for ACL femoral aiming using an endoscopic technique. A standard 3/32-inch Steinmannn pin was placed through the aimer, and the offset distance measured 13 mm instead of the normal 7 mm. If this device had been used, significant error would have occurred, placing the anterior tunnel much more anterior than intended, thus potentially contributing to a surgical failure. The purpose of this case study is to alert physicians to check their femoral aimers to make certain that the offset tongue is parallel, thus assuring accurate placement of the provisional pin.