Outcomes of Non operative Treatment of Isolated, Acute Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury

Abstract

1.1. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of non-operative treatment of acute, isolated PCL injury. 1.2. Study Design: Prospective Observational Study. 1.3. Setting: Orthopedics and spine unit, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. 1.4. Method: 63 patients who had post traumatic PCL injury were recruited for our study). There were 23 partial PCL injuries and 40 total PCL injuries among the 63 knees. These 63 knees were subjected to a thorough subjective, objective, functional, and radiological examination. 1.5. Results: There was no discomfort in 38 knees (60%), mild pain in 14 knees (22%), and significant pain on exercise in 6 (9.5%) knees at the most recent follow-up examination (10 percent). In 54 knees (93%), there was no swelling, mild, intermittent swelling in three knees (5%), and moderate swelling on exertion in one knee (2 percent). Fifty-two patients (91%) experienced no giving way, whereas five patients (9%) complained of giving way on occasion, especially while walking downstairs. 1.6. Conclusion: We currently believe that patients with acute, isolated, complete PCL tears and up to 10 mm of posterior tibial translation (anterior border of tibial plateau flush with anterior surface of femoral condyles with knee in 90-degree flexion) can be treated non operatively and that the majority of patients can achieve a satisfactory functional result.