The effect of posterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction on meniscal strain.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency and meniscal injury is unclear.


OBJECTIVE
Posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency results in increased medial and lateral meniscal strain.


METHODS
Descriptive anatomic study.


METHODS
Eight cadaveric specimens were evaluated with a 6-axis load cell and differential variable reluctance transducer strain gauges placed in both menisci. Data were recorded in the posterior cruciate ligament-intact state after posterior cruciate ligament transection and after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.


RESULTS
The effect of posterior cruciate ligament state on meniscal strain was more pronounced at higher flexion angles. At 60 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion, there was a significant effect of posterior cruciate ligament sectioning and reconstruction on meniscal strain (P < .026). Average meniscal strain for both medial and lateral menisci increased between the intact and the posterior cruciate ligament-cut states. Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction decreased strain values to that of the intact knee.


CONCLUSIONS
Meniscal strain increases with complete posterior cruciate ligament injury and is returned to posterior cruciate ligament-intact levels after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.


CONCLUSIONS
Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may play an important role in reducing meniscal strain and subsequent degeneration within the posterior cruciate ligament-injured knee.
Pearsall
Albert W
AW
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery Biomechanics Laboratory, University of South Alabama Medical Center, Mobile, Alabama 36617, USA. apearsal@usouthal.edu <apearsal@usouthal.edu>
Hollis
J Marcus
JM
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016119:Posterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries