PCL Reconstruction Surgery in Third Grade PCL Rupture: A Case Series

Journal and index pages often block iframe embedding. This reader keeps the evidence details in Orthonotes and leaves the source page one click away.

Abstract

Objective: The PCL is the largest and strongest intraarticular ligament of the knee joint, comprising of 2 functional bundles: the larger anterolateral bundle (ALB) and the smaller posteromedial bundle (PMB). Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears comprise 3% of outpatient knee injuries. The treatment of complete, isolated PCL tears remains controversial. Some studies have reported good outcomes after conservative treatment of partial PCL tears, while others have reported poor results at long-term follow-up with disabling symptoms and functional limitations. This case series reported the first experience of PCL reconstruction in our institution and its associated outcome. Methods: This prospective case series was conducted from January to December 2021. Two patients were included in this case series. All the patients were diagnosed with PCL tear by an Orthopaedic surgeon. clinical examination, knee radiograph, and MRI were obtained in both patients. All patients underwent arthroscopic PCL reconstruction by a single senior Orthopaedic surgeon. Physical therapy was performed after the surgery. Clinical evaluation was followed up for 9 months. The outcome in this case series was the posterior drawer test and range of motion. Result: Two patients were included in this case series. A favorable outcomes were noted following PCL reconstruction surgery. There were negative posterior drawer test, posterior sag sign, and full range of motion in both patients. Conclusion: A PCL reconstruction surgery provided a satisfactory clinical outcome in terms of posterior drawer test, posterior sag sign, and range of motion. PCL reconstruction surgery is recommended in patients who present with grade 3 PCL injury.