Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament augmentation using an autogenous hamstring tendon graft and the posterior-posterior triangulation technique.

Abstract

We describe a modification of the currently practiced arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction techniques. We augmented the injured PCL with quadrupled autogenous hamstring tendon grafts using the arthroscopic posterior-posterior triangulation method and a single-incision transtibial approach. The tibial drill guide was introduced through the anteromedial portal and positioned onto the fossa for the PCL on the tibia under arthroscopic guidance from the posterolateral portal. The femoral tunnel was made 10 mm posterior to the articular cartilage of the medial femoral condyle by use of the anterior cruciate ligament Beath pin (Arthrex, Naples, FL) introduced through the far-inferior anterolateral portal. The tendon graft was positioned in the knee joint by use of the tibial and femoral double-folded silk loops that traversed the bony tunnels. The graft was fixed by use of bioabsorbable Intrafix screw systems (DePuy Mitek, Raynham, MA) at both the ends. The arthroscopic posterior-posterior triangulation method provides adequate exposure of the posterior knee compartment; this allows for convenient instrumentation and safe and accurate placement of the bony tunnels with preservation of the PCL remnants. We believe that retention of the remnant PCL fibers is biologic and contributes to earlier healing and strengthening of the tendon graft.