Long-term results of nonoperative treatment of isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries in the athlete

Abstract

The long-term results of 25 patients treated nonoperatively with isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries were evaluated. Mean followup was 6.2 years (range, 2.2 to 16 years). All patients were evaluated both subjectively (questionnaire) and objectively (clinical examination, x-ray films, Cybex II dynamometer, and KT-1000 Knee Arthrometer). At followup, 80% of the patients were satisfied with their knees and 84% had returned to their previous sport (68% at the same level of performance, 16% at a decreased level of performance). Mean torque Cybex II quadriceps values for three velocities of testing (45, 90, and 180 deg/sec) in patients fully returned to sport and satisfied with their knees was greater than 100% of uninvolved quadricep; conversely, those not satisfied with their knees all had values less than 100% of uninvolved knee. The amount of knee instability as determined by the KT-1000 Arthrometer was not related to the patient's return to sport nor to knee satisfaction. We concluded that the majority of athletes with isolated PCL injuries who maintain strength in musculature return to sports without functional disability.