Posterior tibial subluxation and short-term arthritis resulting from failed posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Posterior tibial subluxations because of combined or isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries require detailed evaluation. PCL reconstructions are difficult procedures because of the low rate of such injuries and the complex anatomy of the ligament. We report on 2 cases of failed PCL reconstruction because of malpositioned femoral tunnels. These 2 cases support the existing biomechanical evidence that the correct placement of the tunnels, especially in the femur, is a major factor in defining the outcome. It seems that the drilling of the tunnels, especially in the femur, during PCL reconstruction must be performed with accuracy and always be evaluated in cases of graft failure. In addition, failed PCL reconstructions are usually accompanied by a short-term excessive arthritis that results in poor functional outcome.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. papadonik@hotmail.com
Alexandros N
AN
Mavrodontidis
Anastasios
A
Papadonikolakis
Ulf G
UG
Moebius
Ioannis
I
Gelalis
Efstathios
E
Motsis
Panayotis N
PN
Soucacos
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000637:transplantation; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D001182:Arthroscopy; D001915:Braces; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D031221:Knee Dislocation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D016119:Posterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D017211:Treatment Failure