• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2007

Purpose: We investigated the natural history of acute, isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries treated conservatively. Materials and Methods: Between February 1999 and October 2006, we evaluated retrospectively the results of acute, isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries treated conservatively. The subjects consisted of 21 patients. At initial and follow up visits physical examination, $KT-2000^{TM}$ arthrometer and MRI were performed to assess improvement on the knee stability and continuity of the posterior cruciate ligament. IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) knee scoring and quadriceps muscle strength were also checked in all population. Comparing the results of initial and follow up examinations we assessed the natural history of acute, isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries treated conservatively. The mean follow up period was 22.7 months. Results: The posterior drawer test showed 14 cases of Grade I, 6 cases of Grade II and 1 case of Grade III progressing 18 cases of Grade I and 3 cases of Grade II. The mean difference of 5.7mm by $KT-2000^{TM}$ arthrometer was changed Into 2.7mm and the continuity of posterior cruciate ligament initially checked by 48.1% on MRI increased to 69.7%. The mean quadriceps muscle strength was grade 'Good' and mean IKDC knee score was nearly grade 'A'. Conclusion: Our study suggests that patients with acute, isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries treated conservatively may get good clinical outcomes on clinical situation and MRI.