Complications posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is a frequently performed orthopedic surgical procedure in developed countries. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries occur less frequently, and the experience of the orthopedic surgeon is correspondingly less for PCL examination, diagnosis, and surgical reconstructive procedures. Studies indicate that acute PCL injuries are related to geographic region, frequency of blunt trauma, and the population density of orthopedic surgeons. It is estimated that few orthopedic surgeons perform posterior cruciate ligament surgery when compared with anterior cruciate ligament surgery, and complications may result from lack of experience in diagnosis, surgical techniques, and postoperative care. Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is technically demanding surgery. Complications encountered with this surgical procedure include failure to recognize associated ligament injuries, neurovascular complications, persistent posterior sag, osteonecrosis, knee motion loss, anterior knee pain, and fractures. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation, including an accurate diagnosis, a well planned, and carefully executed surgical procedure, and a supervised postoperative rehabilitation program will help to reduce the incidence of these complications.