Reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency with free patellar tendon graft

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the most important of the knee ligaments because it provides 95% of the total restraint against posterior displacement of the tibia. There are numerous reconstructive procedures using local tissue such as the semitendinosus tendon, iliotibial band, gracilis and patellar tendon, for PCL insufficiency. From the biomechanical point of view, the patellar tendon is the strongest in terms of tensile strength and is the best suited for PCL reconstruction. In 1983, Clancy reported a new procedure using bone-patellar tendon-bone graft for PCL reconstruction. We applied this procedure in 21 cases and followed up for at least 24 months. The good and excellent rate was 80.95% and range of motion was 100.50°±21.81°. Thigh girth was 1.83 cm less on the operated side and the quadriceps muscle's peak torque was 30% less than the normal side.