Md. Boynton et Br. Tietjens, LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF THE UNTREATED ISOLATED POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT-DEFICIENT KNEE, American journal of sports medicine, 24(3), 1996, pp. 306-310
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.