Management of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: An Evidence-Based Review. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Isolated injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament are uncommon, are often caused by a posteriorly directed force to the proximal tibia, and result in abnormal knee kinematics and function. A thorough clinical evaluation, including history, physical examination, and imaging, is required to rule out a concomitant structural knee injury. No clear prognostic factors predict outcomes, and ideal management remains uncertain. Nonsurgical management is advocated for isolated grade I or II posterior cruciate ligament injuries or for grade III injuries in patients with mild symptoms or low activity demands. Surgical management is reserved for high-demand athletes or patients in whom nonsurgical management has been unsuccessful. Although biomechanical studies have identified differences between single-bundle, double-bundle, transtibial, and tibial inlay reconstruction techniques, the optimal surgical technique has not been established. No high-quality evidence is available regarding immobilization, weight-bearing, bracing, or rehabilitation protocols for patients treated either nonsurgically or surgically. Additional long-term clinical studies with homogeneous patient populations are needed to identify the ideal management of these injuries.

publication date

  • May 1, 2016

Research

keywords

  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84964584244

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.5435/JAAOS-D-14-00326

PubMed ID

  • 27097125

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 24

issue

  • 5