Computer-assisted surgery for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most common orthopedic procedures. Revision rates are as high as 40% with malpositioned tunnels as a chief contributor. Computer-assisted orthopedic surgery or navigation for ACL reconstruction has been introduced to help decrease the revision rate. We review the role of computer navigation in improving the accuracy of tunnel placement, assessing kinematics of the knee, and in training surgeons to correctly perform ACL reconstructions. We report on our experience with navigated ACL reconstruction and describe the kinematic evaluation of a series of patients who underwent the procedure.