Open Repair of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Bony Avulsion With Metal Anchor: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the largest and strongest intra‐articular ligament of the knee joint and the primary posterior stabilizer. PCL injuries are less frequent than other knee ligament injuries and are typically combined with meniscal and chondral injuries or in the context of multiligamentous injuries. It is critical to properly diagnose and treat these lesions in order to avoid the risk of PCL insufficiency, subsequent knee instability, and early osteoarthritis. Surgical management can vary, and the ideal fixation device is still debated. Suture anchors are an unusual mean of fixation of PCL tibial bony avulsion. We report on two patients treated with open anchor fixation for PCL tibial bony avulsion with a follow‐up of 3 years.Case Presentation: A 15‐year‐old male and a 65‐year‐old male were treated with open anchor fixation for bony tibial avulsion of the PCL. Surgical treatment was performed at 5 weeks and 3 weeks after the trauma, respectively. Diagnosis was made with an X‐ray followed by CT and MR scans. Repair was achieved by reinserting the PCL bony fragment to its posterior tibial eminence with suture anchors through an open posterior approach. Both patients recovered full knee stability and a pain‐free full range of motion (ROM) within 4 months and returned to their previous activities with a high satisfaction. The patient has been followed up for 3 years, and no complications were observed.Conclusion: PCL bony avulsions are rare, and their optimal treatment remains a significant subject of debate, particularly in the skeletally immature patient. We believe that open repair with metal anchors could be a good choice to repair PCL bony tibial avulsion in patients without concomitant intra‐articular lesions and immature growth plates or severe fragmentation.