Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes between the open posterior approach and arthroscopic suture fixation for displaced posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures.
Methods: A literature search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases. The inclusion criteria were as follows: papers written in English on displaced PCL avulsion fractures, clinical trial(s) with clear description of surgical technique, adult subjects, a follow-up longer than 12 months and modified Coleman methodology score (CMS) more than 60 points.
Results: Twelve studies were included with a mean CMS value of 72.4 (standard deviation, 7.6). Overall, 134 patients underwent the open posterior approach with a minimum 12-month follow-up, and 174 patients underwent arthroscopic suture fixation. At final follow-up, the range of Lysholm score was 85-100 for the open approach and 80-100 for the arthroscopic approach. Patients who were rated as normal or nearly normal in the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee assessment were 92%-100% for the open approach and 90%-100% for the arthroscopic approach. The range of side-to-side difference was 0-5 mm for both approaches.
Conclusions: Both arthroscopic and open methods for the treatment of PCL tibial-side avulsion injuries resulted in comparably good clinical outcomes, radiological healing, and stable knees.
Keywords: Arthroscopy; Avulsion; Knee; Open; Posterior cruciate ligament.