Management of the PCL Injuries

후방 십자 인대 손상의 치료

  • Jung, Young Bok (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yong-San General Hospital, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Jung, Ho Joong (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yong-San General Hospital, Chung-Ang University)
  • 정영복 (중앙대학교 의과대학 정형외과학교실) ;
  • 정호중 (중앙대학교 의과대학 정형외과학교실)
  • Published : 1998.06.01

Abstract

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.

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