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Complications and PCL Reconstruction

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Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Abstract

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries and reconstructions are relatively infrequent, and our understanding and experience with the operative treatment of PCL injuries lag that of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. This lack of familiarity with the diagnosis, procedure, and rehabilitation, combined with the proximity of neurovascular structures, results in a significantly higher rate of complications (> 20 % of cases) during the surgical treatment of PCL injuries when compared to ACL injuries. Complications can be the result of the initial injury to the knee, and multiple ligament injuries may be unrecognized. Devastating neurovascular complications can occur during PCL reconstruction, but careful technique, including knee flexion, appropriate instrumentation, or use of a safety incision can decrease this risk. Persistent laxity may result from operative or nonoperative management, and is the most common complication.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 40 N. State Street #2304, 60654, Chicago, IL, USA

    Matthew S. Marcus MD

  2. Orthopaedic Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, 2650 Ridge Ave., Walgreen’s 2505, 60201, Evanston, IL, USA

    Jason L. Koh MD

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  1. Matthew S. Marcus MD
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  2. Jason L. Koh MD
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Correspondence to Jason L. Koh MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. GHS Orthopaedics, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA

    Gregory C. Fanelli, MD

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Marcus, M., Koh, J. (2015). Complications and PCL Reconstruction. In: Fanelli, MD, G. (eds) Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12072-0_27

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12072-0_27

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-12071-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-12072-0

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