Seating of TightRope RT Button Under Direct Arthroscopic Visualization in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction to Prevent Potential Complications.

Abstract

The ACL TightRope RT (Arthrex, Naples, FL) is a recently introduced fixation device. The adjustable graft loop allows the surgeon some freedom in terms of the length of the femoral socket, eliminates the need for bothersome intraoperative calculations for selecting loop length, ensures that the socket is completely filled with graft, and provides the possibility of tensioning the graft even after graft fixation. However, the device can be associated with the same complications that have been described with EndoButton (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA) fixation. For example, in our experience, sometimes the button of the TightRope RT may not flip, may become jammed inside the femoral canal, or may flip in the substance of the vastus lateralis. To prevent this, we have introduced 2 additional steps in our procedure: (1) direct visualization of the TightRope RT button in the femoral socket with the arthroscope during its passage and (2) a controlled push directly on the button with the help of a guide pin. Thus proper seating of the button is ensured by direct visualization and the crucial push helps in flipping and seating of the button.