LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF THE UNTREATED ISOLATED POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT-DEFICIENT KNEE

We evaluated 38 subjects with isolated posterior cruciate ligament-def icient knees at a mean of 13.4 years (range, 5 to 38) after injury to study the occurrence of symptoms, disabilities, and articular degenera tion. Each subject completed a standardized questionnaire, physical ex amination, and had radiographs taken of both knees. Eight (21%) patien ts had surgeries for meniscal injuries after their posterior cruciate ligament injuries. The mean questionnaire score for function (50-point maximum) was 34.4 +/- 6.5 (SD) for the patients who did have meniscal surgeries versus 40.0 +/- 8.7 for the 30 patients who did not (P = 0. 05). Among the 30 patients with isolated posterior cruciate ligament-d eficient knees with normal menisci, 24 (81%) had at least occasional p ain and 17 (56%) had at least occasional swelling. As time from injury increased, increased articular degeneration on radiographs was seen ( P = 0.037). Our study suggests that the prognosis for the isolated pos terior cruciate ligament-deficient knee varies. Some patients experien ce significant symptoms and articular deterioration, while others are essentially asymptomatic and maintain their usual knee function.