Outcome of arthroscopic single bundle reconstruction for complete posterior cruciate ligament tear

To evaluate the clinical outcome and correlate the results and degenerative change of the affected knees with the duration of injury, ligament laxity and follow-up time in 30 patients with 31 knees undergoing arthroscopic single bundle reconstruction for complete posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear with 2-9-year follow-up.

This series included 22 men and 8 women with an average age of 32 years. High-energy trauma accounts for 93.5% of PCL injury, while only 6.5% are sports related. Arthroscopic single bundle PCL reconstruction was performed in all knees. The average follow-up time was 40 (range: 24-108) months. The methods of evaluation included functional assessment, ligament laxity and radiograph of the knee.

The overall clinical results showed 77.4% satisfactory (61.3% excellent and 16.1% good) and 22.6% unsatisfactory (16.1% fair and 6.5% poor). Complete restoration of ligament stability was noted in 52% of the knees with one third showing mild (0-5 mm) and 9.7% moderate (5-10 mm) ligament laxity. The incidence of radiographic degenerative changes was 52% (16/31), and it correlated with the duration of injury, severity of ligament laxity and length of follow-up time.

Arthroscopic single bundle reconstruction produced 77.4% satisfactory clinical results in medium term follow-up. Despite good clinical results, complete restoration of ligament stability was achieved in only 52% of the knees. The incidence of degenerative changes of the affected knees was 52% that correlated with the duration of injury, ligament laxity and follow-up time.