Background Surgical treatment of bony avulsions of the posterior
cruciate ligament (PCL) through a classic posterior approach
carries a high risk of neurovascular compromise, and
arthroscopic techniques are demanding. The purpose of this
study is to report results of safe, minimal invasive surgical
approach using pull-out suture fixation technique.
Materials and methods This is a prospective study of 16 cases
with avulsion of the posterior tibial spine, managed through
minimally invasive posterior approach and fixed by pull out
suture. All patients were males, of mean age 34.5±5.5 years.
Average follow-up period was 18±4 months.
Results The average operative time was 32±3.75 min. X-rays
showed satisfactory reduction and good bone healing in all
cases at 3 months. Functional results were excellent in 13
patients, and near normal International Knee Documentation
Committee (IKDC) score in the remaining 3 patients. Average
Lysholm score was 95.2±2.3, with no complications related to
approach or fixation technique.
Conclusions The presented minimally invasive posterior knee
approach is easy and safe with adequate exposure of PCL
avulsion fracture. Fixation technique by pull-out sutures is a
reliable method of fixation of this kind of fractures that avoids
the complications of metal hardware and subsequent need for
removal. |
