Publication:

Clinical outcome of arthroscopic management of isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries

Background Isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are considered as benign and treated conservatively. But studies have shown the long term outcomes of these patients are poor. Aim of this study is to determine the functional outcomes, efficacy, and complication of isolated PCL injuries treated by arthroscopic PCL reconstruction or fixation.

Methods 24 patients, each with an isolated PCL injury, (17 with complete PCL tear and 7 with PCL avulsion fracture) were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients with complete tear underwent PCL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft and patients with displaced avulsion fractures underwent arthroscopic fixation with suture bridge technique. Average age at time of surgery was 33 years. Average time from injury to surgery was 1 month. Average follow-up period was 18 months. Patients underwent regular follow-up postoperatively with clinical and radiographic evaluation. Follow-up examinations comprised the Lysholm knee score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score.

Results Mean preoperative Lysholm score for 24 knees was 41; mean postoperative Lysholm score was 90. Eighteen of 24 patients had excellent results, and 4 patients had good results and 2 patients have fare result at final assessment. IKDC ratings showed significant improvements on subsequent follow ups. In final IKDC ratings, 21 patients were assessed as normal or near normal (grade A or B).

Conclusions The short-term follow-up, analytical results showed good function after arthroscopic management in isolated PCL injuries. Hence we recommend surgical intervention in isolated PCL injuries.