Anatomic Double-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is known to be the main posterior stabilizer of the knee. Anatomic single-bundle PCL reconstruction, focusing on reconstruction of the larger anterolateral bundle, is the most commonly performed procedure. Because of the residual posterior and rotational tibial instability after the single-bundle procedure and the inability to restore the normal knee kinematics, an anatomic double-bundle PCL reconstruction has been proposed in an effort to re-create the native PCL footprint more closely and to restore normal knee kinematics. We detail our technique for an anatomic double-bundle PCL reconstruction using Achilles and anterior tibialis tendon allografts.

Fig 1

Comparative knee posterior stress radiographs. One should note the 11.6-mm difference between the left (L) and right (R) sides signifying a complete posterior cruciate ligament tear.

Fig 2

(A) Left knee showing both bundles: anterolateral bundle (ALB) and posteromedial bundle (PMB). The trochlear point is easily identifiable on the distal aspect of the trochlea. The more anterior aspect of the ALB is noted by the trochlear point, whereas its more inferoposterior aspect is delineated by the medial arch point. Likewise, the PMB is located along the wall of the notch and distal to the medial arch point. (B) Profile view of a hemi-sectioned left knee showing the tibial and femoral insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).

Fig 3

Arthroscopic view through anteromedial portal and extra-articular view of a right knee. An 11-mm-diameter reamer is used to outline (against the cartilage) and ream the anterolateral bundle (ALB) femoral tunnel. It should be centered between the trochlear point and the medial arch point. An eyelet pin is then drilled through the reamer.

Fig 4

Anatomic posterior cruciate ligament attachment sites. (A) Hemi-sectioned image of right knee showing anterolateral bundle (ALB) reamer positioning (11-mm reamer) and posteromedial bundle (PMB) reamer positioning (7-mm reamer) on the femur. Of note, there must exist a 2-mm space between both femoral tunnels. (B) Tibial posterior view of a right knee showing the desired reamer position exit site, with the shiny white fibers (SWF) taken as an anatomic landmark (12-mm reamer).

Fig 5

(A) Illustration of radiographic lateral tibia view of the right knee. The measurement axis was generated from an estimated long axis of the tibia line. Reprinted with permission. (B) Fluoroscopic lateral image of transtibial tunnel guide pin placement at posterior aspect of tibia in the right knee.

Fig 6

Arthroscopic view through anteromedial portal and extra-articular view of a right knee showing (A) posteromedial bundle (PMB) fixation and (B) anterolateral bundle (ALB) fixation. For the PMB graft, the bioabsorbable screw should be positioned at the posteroinferior aspect of the tunnel. For the ALB graft, the titanium interference screw should be positioned at the anterosuperior aspect of the tunnel.

Fig 7

Extra-articular view of graft passage in a right knee. The closed-loop tip of the smoother is exiting the anterolateral arthroscopic portal. The sutures are passed through the loop and then pulled through the tibial tunnel.

Fig 8

Fixation of grafts in a right knee. The grafts are secured to the tibia with a fully threaded, bicortical 6.5 × 40–mm cannulated cancellous screw (through the split tendon graft) and an 18-mm spiked washer.

Fig 9

(A) Posterior and (B) anterior views of anatomic double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The reconstructed anterolateral bundle (ALB) and posteromedial bundle (PMB) are shown, as well as the size, shape, and location of their femoral and tibial tunnels. The PMB enters the tibial tunnel posteromedial to the ALB. The PMB is posterior in the transtibial tunnel and exits deep to the ALB and then is fixed medially and distally to the ALB. Femoral fixations of both bundles and the champagne-glass drop-off, the anatomic landmark for transtibial tunnel drilling, are also displayed. Reprinted with permission. (ACL, anterior cruciate ligament; aMFL, anterior meniscofemoral ligament [ligament of Humphrey]; FCL, fibular collateral ligament; PFL, popliteofibular ligament; pMFL, posterior meniscofemoral ligament [ligament of Wrisberg]; POL, posterior oblique ligament.)