Surgical treatment of posterior cruciate ligament lesions does not cause growth disturbances in pediatric patients

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to describe epidemiology, management and outcome of pediatric and adolescent patients with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. METHODS: Sixteen patients of less than 18 years of age with 7 PCL avulsion fractures and 9 PCL tears were included over a 10-year period. Trauma mechanism, additional injuries and treatment methods were analyzed. Follow-up examination included range of motion and ability to perform squats. Pedi-IKDC and Lysholm score were obtained and posterior shift was measured in kneeling view radiographs and compared to the contralateral side. Patients were grouped into pediatric patients with open physes at the time surgery and adolescent patients with closing or closed physes. In case of open physes, growth disturbances were assessed. RESULTS: Six of the treated patients (median age 12.5 years, range 10–13) had open physes at time of surgery. Five of those sustained avulsion fractures and treatment consisted of open reduction and screw fixation in four cases and graft reconstruction in one case. One patient sustained a PCL tear and underwent graft reconstruction. Follow-up at a median of 71.5 months (range 62–100) did not reveal any growth disturbances. Median Pedi-IKDC was 71.9 (range 51.7–92.1), median Lysholm score was 81.5 (range 66–88) and median posterior shift difference was 2.5 mm (range 0–11). The remaining 10 patients (median age 16 years, range 14–17) had closing/closed physis at the time of operation. Two patients presented with avulsion fractures treated with open reduction and screw fixation and 8 patients sustained PCL tears treated with graft reconstruction. At a median follow-up of 69.5 months (range 11–112), median Pedi-IKDC was 86.8 (range 36.8–97.7), median Lysholm score was 84.0 (range 45–95) and median posterior shift difference was 4 mm (range 0–15). CONCLUSIONS: In our small number of pediatric patients with PCL injuries, open reduction and epiphyseal screw fixation of displaced avulsed fractures and steep tunnel drilling in case of PCL reconstruction did not cause growth disturbances. Nevertheless, long-term functional impairment should be expected and close follow-up has to be recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.