Clinical and functional outcomes of isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of isolated PCL reconstruction in adult patients using standardized objective and patient-reported measures. Study Design: Prospective Observational study. Setting: Department of Orthopaedics & Spine Centre, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Period: January 15, 2025, to July 15, 2025. Methods: Included 76 patients aged 18–60 years with symptomatic isolated PCL tears. Arthroscopic reconstruction was performed. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores, posterior drawer testing, radiographic evaluation, and return to activity. Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) was defined as IKDC >75.9. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and chi-square or with p <0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 36.8 ± 9.4 years, with a predominance of male patients (68.4%). Most injuries were grade III (76.3%), with 25% having associated meniscal lesions. Postoperatively, significant improvement was observed in functional scores: IKDC increased from 46.5 ± 9.1 to 79.0 ± 8.7, Lysholm from 65.5 ± 8.7 to 88.3 ± 7.9, and Tegner from 2.3 ± 0.8 to 4.0 ± 1.1 ( p <0.001). PASS was achieved in 50 patients (65.9%), and objective stability was restored in 67 patients (87.8%). Return to pre-injury activity was achieved in 39 patients (51.2%). Radiographic evaluation showed no osteoarthritis in 67 patients (87.8%). Conclusion: With a favorable short-term radiographic profile, arthroscopic isolated PCL reconstruction significantly improves functional scores, knee stability, and patient-reported outcomes. Only roughly half of patients were able to resume their pre-injury activity levels, though, which emphasizes the importance of thorough patient counseling and rehabilitation.