Isolated PCL Avulsion from the Tibial Attachment: Residual Laxity and Function of the Knee after Screw Fixation
Pariyut Chiarapattanakom MD*, Charoenchai Pakpianpairoj MD*, Prasert Liupolvanish MD*, Kanchai Malungpaishrope MD*
Affiliation : * Institute of Orthopaedics, Lerdsin General Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To identify the posterior laxity of the knee after PCL fixation and to correlate the findings with the
functional outcomes using the standard evaluation systems.
Material and Method: Ten isolated PCL avulsions from tibial attachment were enrolled. The operation was
done within 16 days after injury. Anatomical reduction and internal fixation with a screw of the avulsion
fragment was done under direct vision and was confirmed by radiographs. The follow up evaluation was done
at an average of 40 months after the indexed surgery.
Results : Injured-normal side laxity difference at an average of 2.4 mm was observed. According to IKDC knee
ligament standard evaluation, two knees were graded normal and eight knees were graded nearly normal.
The average Lysholm score was 91. Two knees were graded as an excellent outcome and 8 knees were graded
good outcome.
Conclusion : Despite mild laxity in the injured knee, the functional outcomes after fixation of the PCL avulsion
were good to excellent.
Keywords : Posterior cruciate ligament, PCL avulsion, Tibia attachment, Tibia fracture, Knee laxity, Knee function
