A View From Above: A Modified Patel's Medial Midpatellar Portal for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Arthroscopic Surgery

The use of flexible positions based on the surgeon's need to address specific pathology has been advocated in arthroscopic surgery. In this report we reappraise the midpatellar portals popularized by Patel and present a technique modification of the medial midpatellar portal (mMPP) focusing on its use in anterior cruciate ligament primary and revision arthroscopic surgery. The modified mMPP is established under arthroscopic control from a high anterolateral portal. Its location is more proximal than the original Patel's mMPP. The nearly vertical orientation of the arthroscope and its proximity to the midline offer a wider and almost face-to-face visualization of the intercondylar notch in the coronal plane, which would provide advantages over standard portals. The anteromedial and anterolateral portals may both be used as working portals without crowding because the arthroscope is cranially located. The need to perform notchplasty is reduced, minimizing bleeding from trabecular bone. Aggressive soft-tissue processing in the intercondylar notch to improve visualization is seldom required. The recipient site is less devascularized, which may promote autograft healing. The modified mMPP may also facilitate femoral tunnel placement and setting of an interference screw. It is safe and reproducible and may add to the diagnostic and working capabilities of the knee arthroscopist.