Arthroscopy in avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament

Surgical reduction of PCL avulsion fracture was performed from posterior approach and arthroscopic treatment was not routinely performed. However, associated intraarticular lesions of meniscus, cartilage, of any other pathologies were very common in PCL injuries. If the treatments of associated intraarticular lesions would improve the results was not known. Under this prospective study, we want to know if arthroscope is valuable in PCL avulsion fractures.

From January 1995 to December 1997, there were 29 cases of PCL avulsion fractures. They were grouped according to chart numbers. Group I was even number group and group II was odd number group. Arthroscopic examination was performed in even number group, but not in odd number group. Group I had 13 cases and group II had 16 cases. All the PCL avulsion fractures were repaired from posterior approach and fixed with cancellous screws.

The range of motion, arthrometric data, and Lysholm score were similar in both group after more than 2 years of follow-up. The residual pain was less in arthroscopic group. Arthroscopic examination showed hemarthrosis in all cases of group I; meniscal lesion in 7 cases (54%), osteochondral or chondral lesions in 3 cases (23%), hard medial plica in 3 cases (23%), patellofemoral lesion in 1 case (7.7%), ACL tear in 1 case (7.7%), popliteal lesion in 2 cases (15.4%), lateral opening greater than 1 cm in 5 cases (38.5%). Though the functional results were similar in both groups, the arthroscopic findings in PCL avulsion fracture were negative in only 2 cases.

Arthroscopic examination in PCL avulsion fracture can provide valuable information.