Comparison of two methods for reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament using a computer based method: quantitative evaluation of laxity, three-dimensional kinematics and ligament deformation measurement in cadaver knees

The aim of this paper is to present a biomechanical comparison of two different methods for reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament in cadaver knees. We used an original computer-based method allowing precise calculation of three-dimensional (3D) knee kinematic parameters as well as the estimation of combined graft deformation (elongation-flexion-torsion). After isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) dissection, double bundle and 'over-the-bottom' methods were performed successively on each knee using synthetic polyester ligaments. The effect of pre-tensioning was tested with the 'over-the-bottom' method. antero-posterior (A-P) and rotational laxity as well as 3D kinematics were recorded and analysed. Our computer based method allowed us to show that both reconstruction methods were equivalent in restoring A-P and rotational laxity as well as kinematic curves. Combined deformation of the prostheses was equivalent for both ligaments. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.