Abstract
Controversy exists as to the superior graft source for posterior cruciate ligament
(PCL) reconstruction. Allogeneic and autogeneic tissue have unique advantages and
disadvantages, but little is known about the performance of one versus the other.
This study is an evidence-based, systematic literature review comparing clinical and
functional outcomes of allograft and autograft PCL reconstruction. A search was conducted
via the Cochrane and MEDLINE databases for all relevant studies meeting the following
inclusion criteria: (1) English language, (2) human subjects, (3) between the years
1980 and 2011, (4) minimum 24-month follow-up, (5) measures of clinical and functional
outcomes, and (6) patients with isolated grade II/III PCL injuries who had failed
nonoperative management and were deemed clinically and functionally unstable. Excluded
studies were (1) technique articles, (2) case reports, and (3) patients with additional
ligamentous or bony injuries. A total of 19 relevant studies were identified (2 direct
comparison, 5 allograft, and 12 autograft). No appreciable differences between allograft
and autograft PCL reconstruction were identified. A paucity of data exists comparing
allogeneic and autogeneic PCL reconstruction, but satisfactory clinical and functional
results have been obtained with both graft sources.
Keywords
posterior cruciate ligament - reconstruction - allograft - autograft
