Combined posterolateral knee reconstruction: ACL-based injuries perform better compared to PCL-based injuries

Abstract: Purpose

To compare post-operative physical activity and return to work after combined posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction (PLC-R) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)- or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-based injuries.
Methods

Patients aged > 18 years undergoing PLC-R using the Larson technique combined with either ACL or PCL reconstruction were included. Outcome was evaluated retrospectively after a minimum follow-up of 24 months using Tegner Activity Scale, Activity Rating Scale (ARS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), work intensity according to REFA classification, and a questionnaire about type of occupation and time to return to work.
Results

A total of 32 patients (11 ACL-based injuries and 21 PCL-based injuries) were included. Mean follow-up was 56 ± 26 months in the ACL-based injury group and 59 ± 24 months in the PCL-based injury group. All patients in the ACL-based injury group and 91% of patients in the PCL-based injury group returned to sports activities. Comparing pre- and post-operative values, a significant deterioration of the Tegner Activity Scale and ARS was observed in the PCL-based injury group, whereas no significant change was observed in the ACL-based injury group. KOOS subscales were generally higher in the ACL-based injury with significant differences in the subscale sports and recreational activities. Patients with ACL-based injuries returned to work significantly earlier compared to patients with PCL-based injuries (11 ± 4 weeks vs. 21 ± 10 weeks, p < 0.05).
Conclusion

High rates of return to sports and work can be expected after combined PLC-R in both ACL- and PCL-based injuries. However, deterioration of sports ability must be expected in PCL-based injuries. ACL-based injuries led to superior patient-reported outcomes and an earlier return to work, as compared to PCL-based injuries.
Level of evidence

Level IV

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy. - 29 (2021) , 3846–3853, ISSN: 1433-7347

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2021
• Creator: Lutz, Patricia M. ; Merkle, Michael ; Winkler, Philipp W. ; Geyer, Stephanie ; Herbst, Elmar ; Braun, Sepp ; Imhoff, Andreas B. ; Feucht, Matthias Jens

Further information

• DOI: 10.1007/s00167-020-06409-3
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-1948040
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:59 AM CEST