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Comparable clinical outcomes seen between open vs arthroscopic method for PCL avulsion fractures
At short-term follow-up, researchers of this study noted comparably good clinical outcomes, radiologic healing and stable knees among patients who underwent treatment of PCL tibial-side avulsion injuries with either arthroscopic or open surgery methods.
Researchers reviewed 47 displaced PCL tibial-side avulsion fractures (47 patients) treated between 2005 and 2013, of which 27 patients underwent an open posterior surgical approach and 20 patients underwent an arthroscopic single-tunnel suture fixation approach. All cases had radiographic evidence of greater than 3 mm of displacement or grade II or III laxity on the posterior drawer test, according to researchers, and clinical and radiologic assessment data at 1-year follow-up were compared between groups.
Dhananjaya Sabat
Results showed knee function was rated as normal or nearly normal by more than 90% of patients in both groups. Researchers found comparable knee function in both groups at 1-year follow-up in terms of Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, IKDC evaluation and one-leg hop test. However, researchers noted the arthroscopic group experienced better postoperative arthrometric laxity with 0 mm to 3 mm of laxity in 85% of cases vs. 74% of cases in the open surgery group. Investigators found avulsed fracture fragments usually united by 3 months after surgery. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.