NASA Technique – ACL Reconstruction Surgery- Latest and Best Technique Dr Jitesh Jain

Dr. Jitesh has experience of arthroscopic reconstruction of more than 1000 ACL tears. After years of experience, he has devised a technique of ACL reconstruction (NASA technique) which is safe, reproducible and has a high success rate.

What is NASA technique?

N stands for Nine mm thick graft. Many studies have proven that graft thinner than 8mm has a high failure and retear rate compared to 8mm or thicker grafts. In NASA technique single hamstring tendon (Semitendinosis) is enough to make 9mm thick ACL graft.

A stands for anatomical reconstruction. In the NASA technique tunnels are made directly in the residual stump of the native ACL. This places a new graft in the anatomical position which gives the best biomechanics of the knee joint.

S stands for screw-less ACL reconstruction. ACL graft requires some sort of fixation in the tunnels. Using screws to fix the graft is not free from complications. These complications include loosening of screws, screw impingement into the joint, graft damage by the screws, and tissue reactions around bio and metal screws. In NASA technique no screw is used and the graft is fixed with 2 adjustable loops. This avoids the screw-related complications after ACL reconstruction

A stands for All inside ACL reconstruction. In conventional ACL reconstruction, 2 hamstring grafts (semi tendinosis and Gracilis) are used and long bony tunnels are made. In Asian patients, even 2 hamstring grafts are not sufficient to make a 9 mm thick graft many times. Long bony tunnels cause unnecessary loss of bone stock and more pain after surgery. Harvesting both hamstrings can reduce the strength in deep knee bending and this may weaken the flexion strength in sports persons. In the NASA technique, only one hamstring graft is taken to make the graft and a single graft is sufficient to produce a 9mm thick graft. Another benefit of the NASA technique is short tibial tunnel which causes less pain and swelling in helps quick recovery.


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