Tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament: K-wire or screw fixation? A retrospective study of 26 patients

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1997;116(5):275-8. doi: 10.1007/BF00390052.

Abstract

Although the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is not frequently injured, a greater understanding of its role in stabilizing the knee joint, mechanism of injury and treatment has developed. Isolated avulsion injuries constitute only a subgroup of PCL injuries, but nevertheless several operative techniques have been described for the fixation of the avulsed bony fragment. In order to investigate whether K-wire or screw fixation yields better long-term results, we examined 26 patients at an average of 10.5 years after the initial operation. Clinical examination, activity level, radiographic evaluation and instrumented measurements did not reveal any significant differences. All the patients had an excellent functional result. Thus, both K-wire and screw fixation are recommended for bony PCL avulsion injuries.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Screws*
  • Bone Wires*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / etiology*
  • Knee Injuries / physiopathology
  • Knee Injuries / surgery
  • Knee Joint / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / injuries*
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tibial Fractures / complications*
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome