Arthroscopic Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Inlay Reconstruction: A Surgical Technique That May Influence Rehabilitation

CONTEXT: The reconstruction of isolated complete posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries remains a controversial topic. Proponents for reconstruction cite the premature development of arthritis in the medial and patellofemoral compartments as a compelling reason to offer reconstruction. Currently, no consensus exists about which technique should be used to reconstruct the PCL. TYPE OF STUDY: Surgical technique. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A MEDLINE and PUBMED search was performed using the following combination of keywords for the years 1985-2009: PCL, posterior cruciate ligament, and rehabilitation. The reviewed articles were those that addressed rehabilitation of the PCL after reconstruction and were written in the English language. RESULTS: This PCL reconstruction technique may be more inherently stable and allow a more progressive rehabilitation program. CONCLUSION: There are unique features of all-arthroscopic, double-bundle, allograft reconstruction of the PCL that allow a more aggressive approach in PCL reconstruction rehabilitation. The stability afforded by the anatomic press-fit tibial plug and the augmented tibial and augmented femoral fixation are a plus. The anatomic position of the tibial insertion avoids the “killer turn” of the transtibial approach, limiting concerns for graft abrasion with range of motion and resultant elongation. The outside-in method for the femoral tunnels also minimizes the abrasion that can occur at the “critical corner.”