Complications following hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with femoral cross-pin fixation

Cross-pin fixation of hamstring grafts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was developed with hopes of improving on potential problems associated with interference screw and button fixation methods. However, cross-pins are a relatively new method of graft fixation and there are limited data on this technique. We report 2 cases in which reoperation was necessary after complications associated with cross-pin fixation. In one case, the cross-pin was left too proud and in the other it penetrated the medial side of the femur and was prominent. Surgeons who use cross-pin fixation should pay close attention so as not to leave the cross-pin proud laterally or medially to avoid the necessity of reoperation for hardware removal.