Clinical, patient-reported, radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings 11 years after acute posterior cruciate ligament injury treated non-surgically

BACKGROUND: Long-term consequences of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury such as persistent posterior tibial translation and risk of osteoarthritis development are unclear. Additionally, little data is available describing the natural history of structural morphology of the ruptured PCL. The purpose of the study was to determine the long-term outcome after non-operatively treated PCL injury. METHODS: Over 6-years, all acute knee injuries were documented by subacute MRI (median 8 days [5–15, 25th − 75th percentile] from injury to MRI). Twenty-six patients with acute PCL injury were identified of whom 18 (69%) participated in the long-term follow-up after 11 years. Follow-up included radiographic posterior tibial translation (RPTT) determined using the Puddu axial radiograph. weight-bearing knee radiographs, MRI and KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score). RESULTS: On subacute MRI, 11 knees displayed total and 7 partial ruptures. At 11 (SD 1.9) years, the median RPTT was 3.7 mm (1.5–6.3, 25th − 75th percentile). Seven knees displayed radiographic osteoarthritis approximating Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 2. All follow-up MRIs displayed continuity of the PCL. Patients with more severe RPTT (> 3.7 mm), had worse scores in the KOOS subscales for symptoms (mean difference 14.5, 95% CI 7–22), sport/recreation (30, 95% CI 0–65) and quality of life (25, 95% CI 13–57) than those with less severe RPTT (≤ 3.7 mm). This was also the case for the KOOS(4) (22, 95% CI 9–34). CONCLUSION: Acute PCL injuries treated non-surgically display a high degree of PCL continuity on MR images 11 years after injury. However, there is a large variation of posterior tibial translation with higher values being associated with poorer patient-reported outcomes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-023-06480-0.