Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fractures

The purposes of this review are to (1) discuss the epidemiology and workup of the rare posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture, (2) review the indications for nonoperative and operative management of patients with PCL avulsion fractures, (3) examine surgical outcomes in this patient population, and (4) discuss the authors' preferred management algorithm and surgical approach.

In accordance with the rarity of these injuries, the literature is sparse regarding surgical outcomes. Many of these injuries are in the setting of a multi-ligamentous injury. Most authors suggest that displaced PCL avulsion fractures should undergo operative fixation and current data suggests excellent outcomes when treating these patients with either open or arthroscopic fixation, with a low complication rate. PCL avulsion fractures, although rare, should undergo fixation when displacement is present. Current studies report successful outcomes and a low complication rate.