Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament using an Achilles Tendon Autograft

Seo, Jai Gon; Kim, Hee Chun; Cho, Duck Yun; Kim, Key Yong

Abstract

The posterior cruciate ligament, because of its location and axial role in knee function, was assumed to be a fundamental stabilizer for the knee joint. Reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament has been a demanding operation due to difficulties of appropriate graft material. Posterior cruciate substituing material should be biocompatible, durable, stress-strain capable and ease to be used. Achilles tendon autografts were thought to meet these criteria. Recently, we have advocated partial Achilles tendon autograft in reconstructive operation of posterior cruciate ligament with promising result. Posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were done in 8 knees, with follow-ups ranging from 7 to 23 months, averaging 13 months. The results were as followings: l. Average preoperstive knee score was 46 and it was improved up to 88 after operation. 2. Among the 8 knees, 3 belonged to the excellent, 4 to good, and 1 to fair groups respectvely. 3. Achilles tendon autograft turned out to be a good substitute for the posterior cruciate deficient knee. The results were promising. Achilles tendon autograft regarded to be suitable for the posterior cruciate liagament reconstruction and desirable features of this autogenous graft included distinguished biocompatability, mechanical stability in fixation strength as well as stress-strain capability, and consistency in reproducible operative technique.