Biomechanical effect of meniscus posterior horn in posterior cruciate ligament rupture patients undergoing arthroscope adjunctive treatment and clinical curative effect observation

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical curative effect of arthroscope adjunctive treatment in patients with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture, and investigate the biomechanical attribute of meniscus posterior horn. Methods The clinical data of 49 posterior cruciate ligament rupture patients having underwent arthroscope adjunctive posterior cruciate ligament prothesis were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were followed up at least 6 months, and functional recovery of the knee was assessed. Biomechanical study was completed, which included 2 healthy adult knee specimens. The specimens were tested under 200 N loads at the condition of complete or incised posterior cruciate ligament to measure the strain of meniscus posterior horn. Results The operation time was 1.31 - 2.08 (1.56 ± 0.81) h, postoperative drainage volume was (69 ± 24) ml, and length of stay in hospital was 6 - 11 (7.56 ± 2.18) d. The patients were followed up for 6 - 13 (8.7 ± 2.9) months, and the Lysholm knee function score was 84 - 96 (91.40 ± 5.18) scores. There were no complications such as ligament reinjury, venous thrombosis and joint stiffness in all patients. The biomechanical test result showed that the strain variables of meniscus posterior horn in different angle (0°, 30°, 60° and 90°) were significantly increased after posterior cruciate ligament rupture: (27.51 ± 2.38)° vs. (18.12 ± 3.24)°, (41.23 ± 2.81)° vs. (12.58 ± 1.57)°, (67.56 ± 1.68)° vs. (24.56 ± 1.74)° and (79.61 ± 1.16)° vs. (34.65 ± 3.24)°, and there were statistical differences (P<0.05). The strain variable of meniscus posterior horn in 90° was significantly higher than that of other angles, and there was statistical difference (P<0.05). Conclusions Posterior cruciate ligament rupture can be treated with arthroscopy, which proves to be safe and effective. It can reduce the strain variable of meniscus posterior horn, which has benefit on knee joint. Key words: Arthroscopes; Posterior cruciate ligament; Menisci, tibial; Biomechanics; Retrospective studies