Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autograft - Minimal 3 years follow-up

Background: Various autografts or allografts have been used for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. Quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft is considered a good graft choice. Hypothesis: Quadriceps tendon-patellar bone graft for PCL reconstruction can achieve a satisfactory clinical outcome after 3 years postoperatively. Study Design: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Methods: From 1996, the graft has been used in 32 patients. Twenty-nine patients with a minimum of 3 years of follow-up were analyzed. Results: Twenty-four (83%) patients achieved good or excellent results by Lysholm knee rating. Sixteen (55%) patients could return to moderate or strenuous activity. Twenty-five (86%) patients had ligament laxity of less than 5 mm. Twenty-four (83%) patients were rated as normal or nearly normal by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) guidelines. Twenty-four (83%) and 26 (90%) patients could achieve recovery of extensor and flexor muscle strength to 80% or more of normal knee, respectively. A statistically significant difference exists in thigh girth difference, extensor strength, and flexor strength before and after reconstruction. Conclusion: Our study revealed satisfactory clinical subjective and objective results at a minimum 3 years follow-up. Quadriceps tendon autograft has the advantage of being self-available, a relatively easier arthroscopic technique, and having a suitable size, making it an acceptable graft choice for PCL reconstruction.