Activity level recovery after arthroscopic PCL reconstruction: a series of 21 patients with a mean follow-up of 29 months

Abstract

Surgical treatment of PCL tears is often indicated after conservative management failure and it is known to be challenging with unpredictable outcomes. This study aims to describe and to evaluate the outcome of an arthroscopic PCL anterolateral bundle reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon autograft. Our hypothesis is that knee stability and function can be restored using this technique allowing patients to resume their pre-injury level of activity. Between 2005 and 2008, 21 consecutive patients underwent an isolated PCL reconstruction and were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 29 months (range 12-48). The mean time from injury to surgery was 28 months. All patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively using IKDC evaluation, Tegner and Lysholm scores. The differential laxity was measured radiologically using the Telos® stress device. Pre-operatively, no patients were classified A or B on the IKDC objective score. At last follow-up, 81% of patients were classified A or B. The average differential anteroposterior laxity was 11.2 mm (range 8-15) in the preoperative evaluation and 3.6 mm (range 0-7) at the final follow-up (p=0.01). The mean subjective IKDC score was 39.5 before surgery and 74.5 at the last follow-up (p<0.01). The Tegner and Lysholm scores were significantly improved (p<0.001). 81% of patients were able to resume the same pre-injury level of activity. Patients with high level activity before injury were found to have the best subjective outcomes. Satisfactory laxity control and clinical outcomes were obtained in this series allowing patients to resume their pre-injury activities and sports.