Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon graft with remnant augmentation

Despite good early functional results, the posterior laxity of the knee is not completely eliminated after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. The PCL can retain the normal tension only when the injured ligament is maintained anatomically. This article describes a technique of PCL reconstruction using hamstring tendon graft with PCL remnant augmentation. The harvested hamstring tendons were quadrupled, sized, and pretensioned before use. The PCL remnants and the synovium were preserved. Minimal debridement was performed to gain access to the insertion sites. The tibia and femoral tunnels were created with graft size-matched reamers. The graft was transfixed at 70 degrees of knee flexion with a 15-lb anterior drawer force on the proximal tibia. This surgical technique has several advantages. The hamstring graft acts as an independent PCL reconstruction and maintains the PCL remnant tension. The PCL remnants and synovium may be beneficial to ligament healing and postoperative rehabilitation. The procedure is technically feasible and cosmetically acceptable. The selection of autograft precludes the risks of allograft and artificial ligament. The short-term results are encouraging, but long-term results are needed to confirm the value of this technique for PCL reconstruction.