Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament repair

Purpose: We present our technique of arthroscopic repair for femoral avulsion soft-tissue tears of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and its results. Type of Study:Case series, retrospective review. Methods: We performed 13 arthroscopic repairs of the PCL and reviewed them retrospectively. Follow-up was available for 11 (85%) patients. Nonabsorbable monofilament sutures were placed through the loose fibers of the ligament and tied over a bone bridge. Patients were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging, comparative stress views, and according to the scoring systems of Lysholm and Gillquist and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC). Results: Mean follow-up was 51.4 months. IKDC scores revealed 4 (36.4%) patients with normal knee function, and 7 (63.6%) with nearly normal function. Average Lysholm and Gillquist score was 95.4 (90 to 100). All athletes returned to the same or a higher level of competition. Conclusions: Arthroscopic repair of the PCL in patients with a femoral avulsion is effective in reducing postoperative instability and improving functional outcome.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 7 (September), 2002: pp 695–702