Background: The relationship between posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency and meniscal injury is unclear.
Hypothesis: Posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency results in increased medial and lateral meniscal strain.
Study design: Descriptive anatomic study.
Methods: Eight cadaveric specimens were evaluated with a 6-axis load cell and differential variable reluctance transducer strain gauges placed in both menisci. Data were recorded in the posterior cruciate ligament-intact state after posterior cruciate ligament transection and after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Results: The effect of posterior cruciate ligament state on meniscal strain was more pronounced at higher flexion angles. At 60 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion, there was a significant effect of posterior cruciate ligament sectioning and reconstruction on meniscal strain (P < .026). Average meniscal strain for both medial and lateral menisci increased between the intact and the posterior cruciate ligament-cut states. Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction decreased strain values to that of the intact knee.
Conclusions: Meniscal strain increases with complete posterior cruciate ligament injury and is returned to posterior cruciate ligament-intact levels after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Clinical relevance: Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may play an important role in reducing meniscal strain and subsequent degeneration within the posterior cruciate ligament-injured knee.