Fig 4.

To prepare the femoral tunnels (right knee, supine position, slightly flexed angle), the arthroscope is introduced through the high anterolateral portal, and a parapatellar portal is developed for the shaver. (A) The lateral joint capsule is carefully resected with the shaver (Torpedo; Arthrex) to expose the femoral attachments of the LCL (*) and PLT. The femoral footprints can be marked with a radiofrequency electrode for better orientation. A stab incision is made directly over the femoral attachments. (C) Two guidewires are introduced into the native origins of the LCL (*) and PLT (+). (D) The femoral tunnels are then drilled with a 5- or 6-mm drill, depending on the strength of the graft. The PLT tunnel should have a length of approximately 3 cm, and the LCL tunnel should be of greater depth to allow full graft tensioning. (LCL, lateral collateral ligament; PLT, popliteus muscle tendon.)