Table 1.

Recommendations for Achilles Tendon Preparation ACL Reconstruction

1.Consider the width of the tendon along with the bone block for preoperative allograft selection.

2.To assess the bone block shape.

3.Bone removal of the block is preferable over use of forceps because it allows softer and better edge cuts.

4.To perform bone cuts with the saw blade perpendicular to the bone block.

5.Recheck allograft with the graft-sizing block to measure how much remnant osseous tissue is still needed.

6.While the bone block removal progress, the excess tendon must be removed.

7.A cone- or bullet- shaped bone block facilities the insertion in the femoral tunnel.

8.The bone block must be held tightly while the K-wire advances slowly to avoid a bone block rotation.

9.K-wire placement helps guide the bone block passage through the tunnels, and soft taping can be performed.

10.When the K-wire is removed, compression on the placed femoral screw must be applied to avoid a bone block sliding out of the tunnel.

11.The remainder of Achilles allograft allows use for a multiligament reconstruction, teaching and practicing surgery, or even as primary graft replacement in case of a tear.

ACL, anterior cruciate ligament.