A Cost-Effective Alternative for Lateral Femoral Wall Perforation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction: A Case Report

Lateral femoral wall perforation is a rare intra-operative complication in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. However, it can be challenging to manage if it occurs. We share our experience on lateral femoral wall perforation managed by a large fragment washer. A 25-year-old man with right ACL injury presented with knee instability despite physiotherapy. Anterior drawer test (ADT) and Lachman test were grade 3, glide on pivot shift was positive. During ACL reconstruction, the lateral femoral wall was perforated. Due to unavailability of the rescue endobutton and budget constraint, we passed the endobutton through a washer and allowed it to sit on the washer over the lateral femoral wall. ADT and Lachman test on post-operative 6, 12 and 24 weeks were grade 1, with a negative pivot shift test. Lysholm knee score improved from 69 pre-operatively to 98 post-operatively. Conventionally, lateral femoral wall perforation can be managed by rescue endobutton, or screw and washer post technique. As this complication is rare, the rescue endobutton may not be available at all times, and the cost of the implant is also another important factor to consider. A washer can be used as an alternative technique to manage lateral femoral wall perforation in ACL reconstruction as it is not only cost-effective but also provides stable fixation with good functional outcome.

Three Level Thoracolumbar Spondylectomy for Recurrent Giant Cell Tumour of the Spine: A Case Report

Giant cell tumour (GCT) is a benign tumour but can be locally aggressive and with the potential to metastasise especially to the lungs. Successful treatments have been reported for long bone lesions; however, optimal surgical and medical treatment for spinal and sacral lesions are not well established. In treating spinal GCTs, the aim is to achieve complete tumour excision, restore spinal stability and decompress the neural tissues. The ideal surgical procedure is an en bloc spondylectomy or vertebrectomy, where all tumour cells are removed as recurrence is closely related to the extent of initial surgical excision. However, such a surgery has a high complication rate, such as dura tear and massive blood loss. We report a patient with a missed pathological fracture of T12 treated initially with a posterior subtraction osteotomy, who had recurrence three years after the index surgery and subsequently underwent a three level vertebrectomy and posterior spinal fusion.