Preservation of the posterior cruciate ligament is not helpful in highly conforming mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled study
Roh, Y.W., Jang, J., Choi, W.C. et al.Knee
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the preservation of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) can be helpful for improving kinematics and clinical outcome in highly conforming mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Methods
Ninety osteoarthritic knees were randomly allocated to either the PCL-preserving group or the PCL-sacrificing group. Passive kinematics was recorded with a navigation system immediately after implantation. Three parameters (anterior/posterior translation, varus/valgus rotation, and internal/external rotation) were analysed from 0° to 120° flexion.
Results
The PCL-preserving group (42 knees) had more varus rotation over 90° flexion (p < 0.05) and more anterior translation of the femur in all ranges of flexion (p < 0.05) than those in the PCL-sacrificing group (44 knees). There was no difference in the internal/external rotation (p > 0.05). The range of motion, functional scores, and radiographic results did not significantly differ between the two groups at the final follow-up. Three knees in the PCL-preserving group were revised: two presented with instability caused by traumatic attenuation of the PCL and one with subluxation of the insert due to a tight PCL.
Conclusion
The preservation of the PCL was not helpful for improving kinematics and clinical outcome in highly conforming mobile-bearing TKA.
Level of evidence
II.
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