Long-term followup of the untreated isolated posterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee.
We evaluated 38 subjects with isolated posterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees at a mean of 13.4 years (range, 5 to 38) after injury to study the occurrence of symptoms, disabilities, and articular degeneration. Each subject completed a standardized questionnaire, physical examination, and had radiographs taken of both knees. Eight (21%) patients 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-deficient knees with normal menisci, 24 (81%) had at least occasional pain 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 posterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee varies. Some patients experience significant symptoms and articular deterioration, while others are essentially asymptomatic and maintain their usual knee function.
Boynton
M D
MD
Eastwood Orthopaedic Clinic, Auckland, New Zealand.
Tietjens
B R
BR
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D004487:Edema / Q000503:physiopathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D010808:Physical Examination; D016119:Posterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries