Dorsal approach for reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament.

The operative treatment of a posterior cruciate ligament rupture through a straight central approach in the hollow of the knee is described. Following evaluation of the different operative procedures used in our clinic during the years of 1977 through 1990, this is now the preferred technique. The results of the different procedures are summarized. Clinical follow-up examinations were carried out in 75 patients operated on between 1977 and 1990, after a mean postoperative follow-up period of 6 years. For each patient the clinical results were evaluated both subjectively and objectively using OAK-scores and the KT-1000 arthrometer. Out of 75 patients, 43 whose injury had occurred more than 5 years earlier were post-examined radiologically. Rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament is rare compared with rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, and the outcome after operative treatment is very often unsatisfactory. Since Mayo Robson carried out the first open reconstruction of a posterior cruciate ligament rupture, countless methods for operative stabilization have been described. On the basis of our experience of various operating procedures used during the years 1977 through 1990, reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament through a dorsal access is now our procedure of choice.