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J Knee Surg 2021; 34(06): 587-591
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1723016
Special Focus Section

Complications Associated with Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Avoiding Them

Evan W. James
1   Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York
,
Caroline E. Taber
1   Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York
,
Robert G. Marx
1   Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries often occur as part of a multiligament injury pattern and can present a significant challenge to the treating surgeon. When PCL reconstruction is indicated, complications can arise in the intraoperative and postoperative period that lead to poor outcomes. These complications include neurovascular injury, fracture, compartment syndrome, persistent posterior laxity, motion loss, residual knee pain, osteonecrosis, and heterotopic ossification. The purpose of this review is to highlight complications associated with PCL reconstruction and strategies to avoid them.

Keywords

posterior cruciate ligament - posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction - complications - multiligament knee injury - compartment syndrome - heterotopic ossification - osteonecrosis


Publication History

Received: 01 December 2020

Accepted: 17 December 2020

Article published online:
05 February 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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