Management of combined anterior cruciate ligament/posterior cruciate ligament/posterolateral complex injuries of the knee

The multiple ligament injured knee is a complex problem in orthopedic surgery. These injuries may present as acute knee dislocations, and careful assessment of the extremity vascular status is essential because of the possibility of arterial and/or venous compromise. These complex injuries require a systematic approach to evaluation and treatment. Physical examination and imaging studies enable the surgeon to make a correct diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan. Arthroscopically assisted combined anterior cruciate ligament/posterior cruciate ligament (ACL/PCL) reconstruction is a reproducible procedure. Knee stability is improved postoperatively when evaluated with knee ligament rating scales, arthrometer testing, and stress radiographic analysis. Posterolateral complex (PCL) injuries combined with ACL/PCL tears are best treated with primary repair as indicated combined with PCL reconstruction using a post of strong autograft (split biceps tendon, biceps tendon, semitendinosus), or allograft (Achilles tendon, bone-patellar tendon-bone) tissue. Surgical timing depends on the injured ligaments, vascular status of the extremity, reduction stability, and overall patient health. The use of allograft tissue is preferred because of the strength of these large grafts and the absence of donor site morbidity.