Revision Posterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

Successful posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction surgery results from identification and treatment of associated pathology such as posterolateral instability, posteromedial instability, and lower extremity malalignment. The use of strong graft material, properly placed tunnels to as closely as possible approximate the PCL insertion sites, and minimization of graft bending also enhance the probability of PCL reconstruction success. In addition, mechanical graft tensioning, primary and back-up PCL graft fixation, and the appropriate postoperative rehabilitation program are also necessary ingredients for PCL reconstruction success. Both single-bundle and double-bundle PCL reconstruction surgical techniques are successful when evaluated with stress radiography, KT 1000 arthrometer measurements, and knee ligament rating scales. PCL reconstruction failure may result when any or all of these surgical principles are violated. The purpose of this manuscript was to discuss revision PCL surgery. This presentation will include causes of unsuccessful PCL reconstruction, surgical indications and goals, patient evaluation, surgical decision making, graft selection, surgical technique, associated surgical procedures, postoperative rehabilitation, and revision PCL reconstruction results.