Comparison of muscle strength of posterior cruciate-retained versus cruciate-sacrificed total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract

One of the most controversial issues in total knee arthroplasty is whether to retain or sacrifice the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Investigators have used various methods to evaluate the influence of the PCL after total knee arthroplasty, but muscle strength evaluation has not been reported. The purpose of this study is to compare the long-term effects of PCL retention or sacrifice on muscle strength. Isokinetic testings and isometric testings were studied in patients with three different types of prosthesis design: total condylar, low contact stress rotating platform (both sacrifice PCL), and low contact stress meniscal bearing (retains PCL). The results showed that in all testing conditions, the hamstring to quadriceps ratios did not significantly differ among the three prosthetic designs (P > .05) even after long-term (6-13 years) functional adaptation.