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
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