Treatment of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients

• DOI: 10.1097/bpo.0b013e318263a154
• Publication Date: 2013-01-10T20:46:46Z
• Authors: Mininder S. Kocher; Brett Shore; Adam Y. Nasreddine; Benton E. Heyworth
• Keywords: Posterior cruciate ligament

Background: There is sparse literature regarding the outcomes of treatment for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries in pediatric and adolescent patients. PCL are rare often treated conservatively. The purpose this study was to review 2 separate cohorts patients with injuries: those surgically direct repair or reconstruction managed nonoperatively. Methods: Twenty-five 18 years younger underwent 26 (1 bilateral) at a single institution between 1993 2009. Fourteen (15 knees) operative treatment, while 11 were Demographic clinical features each group reviewed, validated functional outcome measures [Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC), Lysholm, Tegner scores] analyzed. Results: Eleven (6 females; mean age, 14.4 y) who sustained nonoperatively, At follow-up 26.7 months, none nonoperative had symptomatic instability, 100% return-to-play rate. Pedi-IKDC, scores 87.4, 89.0, 7.5, respectively. In 15 knees 14 surgery (4 female; 15.1 27.8 months. All achieved full near-full range motion, showed growth arrest angular deformity. However, 1 patient mild joint-space narrowing, 81.3, 80.1, 7.2, Patients knee dislocations lower Pedi-IKDC than not dislocated, 70.2 versus 85 (P=0.047). Conclusions: Outcomes partial tears nondisplaced avulsion good young safe viable option multiligament isolated injury have failed conservative related severity initial injury. Level evidence: IV, retrospective case series.