Functional outcome of posterior cruciate ligament avulsion injuries treated with open reduction and cannulated cancellous screw fixation

Abstract

Introduction: Isolated bony posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures are infrequent, estimated to account for 3% - 20% of knee ligament injuries. Various surgical techniques have been described for PCL avulsion injuries in the past including alternatives to avoid potentially injurious exposure of popliteal fossa. The purpose of our study was to evaluate functional outcome of PCL avulsion fractures of tibia fixed with open reduction and cannulated cancellous screw. Material and Methods: Twenty four patients were included in the study. Fixation was done through posteromedial approach using 4mm cannulated cancellous screws. Functional outcome was evaluated using Lysholm knee score.Results: Out of 24 patients 18 were males and 6 were females. The mean age was 31 years. Majority of the patients (80%) achieved full functional ROM with no laxity. 8.3% had an extensor lag and 12% had grade 1 laxity. The mean preoperative and postoperative Lysholm score were 26.33 and 91 respectively. The difference between the preoperative and the postoperative Lysholm score was statistically significant (P