The Effect of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Reconstruction on Meniscal Strain

Abstract

Background The relationship between posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency and meniscal injury is unclear. Hypothesis Posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency results in increased medial and lateral meniscal strain. Study Design 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° and 90° 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. Clinical Relevance Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may play an important role in reducing meniscal strain and sub-sequent degeneration within the posterior cruciate ligament–injured knee.