Objectives: To evaluate the 4- to 10-year results of arthroscopic reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) using single-bundle bone-patella tendon-bone graft, and to find out the principle and influential factor of the isolated PCL reconstruction.
Methods: From May 1998 to July 2004 the data of 29 patients with isolated PCL reconstruction retrospectively investigated, using single-bundle bone-patella tendon-bone graft. Twenty-two cases were followed up with average 7.1 years (5 - 10 years). Follow-up included the subjective knee function evaluation, KT2000, Biodex and the radiographic assessment.
Results: The mean final follow-up IKDC score, Lysholm score, and Tegner score of the 22 cases were 89.4 +/- 8.1, 94.5 +/- 9.2, and 6.9 +/- 2.6 respectively. There were statistically significant improvements in them when compared with preoperative data respectively (P < 0.01). The average posterior displacement measured with KT2000 was (4.9 +/- 1.1) mm (90 degrees flexion) and (4.3 +/- 1.2) mm (30 degrees flexion) respectively. At the final follow-up, KT2000 examination revealed >or= 6 mm of posterior laxity in 6 patients (group A), and <or= 5 mm posterior laxity in 16 patients (group A). A statistically significant improvement was noted in comparing the mean final follow-up IKDC score, Lysholm score, and Tegner score between the group A and B (P < 0.01). The average time from injury to surgery of group A and B was (17.6 +/- 3.9) months and (2.9 +/- 2.1) months respectively, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The data was received from the Biodex dynamometer for the 22 patients who were followed up in clinic service. Patients achieved (90 +/- 22)% (60 degrees /s) and (87 +/- 19)% (120 degrees /s) recovery of the extensor peak torque respectively, for the flexor peak torque patients achieved (93 +/- 16)% (60 degrees /s) and (92 +/- 20)% (120 degrees /s) respectively, the difference between the peak torque of extensor and flexor in the same condition was statistically significant (P < 0.01). X-ray findings: 8 of the 22 patients (36.4%) were assessed as mild grade change (3 case in medial compartment isolated, 1 case in patellofemoral joint isolated, and 4 case in both compartments) and 2 patients (9.1%) as moderate grading in final follow-up radiographs (in both anterior and medial compartments), and 12 of the 22 patients (54.5%) revealed normal X-ray findings. The average time from injury to surgery of patients who revealed joint degeneration and patients who revealed normal X-ray findings was (16.6 +/- 2.7) months and (3.3 +/- 1.7) months respectively, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Arthroscopic reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament using single-bundle bone-patella tendon-bone graft produces well results with moderate to long term follow-up. For the patients with III or IV PCL injury, PCL reconstruction should be done as soon as possible.