Meniscus and cartilage injuries concomitant with isolated rupture of posterior cruciate ligament and its risk factors

Abstract

To investigate the risk factors associated with meniscus and cartilage lesions concomitant with isolated rupture of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). A total of 147 patients with rupture of PCL from January, 2005 to June, 2013 were retrospectively analyzed for associations of distribution, incidence of meniscal tears or cartilage injuries with gender, age, sides, duration, body mass index, cause or degree of instability. Incidence for meniscal injuries was 14.3%, which was statistically different among groups in gender, age, sides, duration and degree of instability (P<0.05). Chondral lesions were mainly appeared in medial tibiofemoral compartment and patellofemoral compartment, and the incidence was statistically different among groups in gender, age, duration, and degree of instability (P<0.05). No independent risk factor was found to be associated with meniscal and chondral injuries. Severe cartilage lesions and less meniscal tears can be induced by the rupture of PCL. Medical treatment at the early stage is necessary to restore stability and reduce chondral injuries.