• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.135-140
• /
• 1998

From 1989 to 1994, authors have reconstructed the posterior cruciate ligament(PCL) in 51 knees with an autogenous central one-third of the patellar tendon by transtibial two tunnel technique, but there were not a few cases of unfavorable results. So from January 1995, we have reconstructed the PCL deficient knees by "modified tibial inlay technique" to avoid the grafted tendon abrasion at the posterior opening of the tibial tunnel(killer turn). Purpose of this study was to compare the results of two surgical techniques and what its advantages and disadvantages are. We could follow up 39 cases of transtibial two tunnel techique group(group A) more than one year, average being 23.7 months and 21 cases of modified tibial inlay technique group(group B) more than 12 months, average being 14.7 months. The clinical results were evaluated by the OAK knee scoring system ($M{\ddot{u}}ller$'s criteria) and the posteror stress roentgenography (push view) with Telos stress device compared with the uninjured knees. The arthroscopic second-look findings were also evaluated. In group A : The $M{\ddot{u}}ller$'s knee score was average 80.1 points, the posteror displacement in push view was average 4.4mm at the last follow up. There were 17 cases(44%) of unfavorable results which showed unstable posterior displacement more than 4mm compared with the uninjured knee in push view. Among the 19 cases of arthroscopic second look examinations, nearly normal PCL appearances of the grafted tendons were noted only in 9 cases(47%). In group B : The $M{\ddot{u}}ller$'s knee score was average 86.7 points, the posterior displacemnet in push view was average 3.6mm at the last follow up. There were 5 cases(23.8%) of unfavorable results which showed unstable posterior displacement more than 4mm compared with the uninjured knee in push view but 4 out of 5 cases showed 6mm posterior displacement in push views. Among the 7 cases of arthroscopic second-look examinations, 6 cases(86%) showed nearly normal PCL appearances of the grafted tendons. In modified tibial inlay technique of PCL reconstruction, it was easier to pull out the BPTB and in cases of remained laxed meniscofemoral ligament it was easier to preserve the remained structures than transtibial two tunnel technique. We expect the "modified tibial inlay technique" may solve the problem of grafted patellar tendon abrasion at the posterior orifice of tibial tunnel and may contribute to the successful PCL reconstruction.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.25-32
• /
• 1998

The distinction between isolated and combined injuries is crucial both for treatment and prognosis. For most combined injuries, surgical treatment continues to be favored over nonoperative treatment. It is generally agreed that isolatel PCL injuries do well without surgery. There has been an interest by many authors to fix the graft directly to the posterior aspect of the tibia(tibial inlay). With this procedure, tibial graft fixation will be more direct and theoretically reduce the bending effects of the graft with a fixation site far away from the tibial insertion. Modified tibial inlay technique, which is the posterior approach does not require the patient to be in the prone or lateral decubitus position during the operation. Use of a double-bundle reconstructive technique is attractive and has been performed by some surgeons. At this time, this procedure is still being investigated and should not be routinely used in the clinical setting until studies have indicated an advantage over current single-bundle techniques. However theologically, double-bundle reconstructive technique is more useful in severe posterior unstable knee. Recent advances have increased our knowledge of the anatomy and mechanical characteristics of the PCL. Basic science research has further increased our awareness of the interaction of the posterolateral structures with the PCL. To achieve restoration of normal posterior laxity, it is critical to address the posterior as well as the postero-lateral structures. Surgical treatment is often complex and requires a wide range of surgical techniques and skills to treat associated injuries. When the PCL is reconstructed, most surgeons choose to reconstruct the anterolateral component using a graft of sufficient size and strength. The initial postoperative rehabilitation should be addressed cautiously in an effort to avoid excessive forces on delicate repairs and reconstructions in these complex injuries. Further research is necessary to evaluate new surgical approaches such as double-bundle reconstructions and tibial inlay techniques as well as improved techniques for capsular and collateral ligament injuries.