Editorial Commentary: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Tunnel Mismatch: The Long and Short of It.

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament graft size is an important consideration when planning the length of the tibial tunnel. In general, longer grafts require longer tunnels to accommodate the graft. Ideally, the tibial bone plug should be flush with the tibial cortex after graft passage and femoral fixation. Alternatively, allograft bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts can be selected based on their lengths to assure an ideal fit in the tibial tunnel. However, there are increased risks of allograft failure in young patients that anterior cruciate ligament surgeons should recognize.