PCL repair surgery did not lead to growth problems in pediatric, adolescent patients

Following failed conservative treatment, PCL repair or reconstruction is a safe and viable treatment option for pediatric and adolescent patients with multiligament or isolated PCL injuries, according to recent study results.

From 1993 to 2009, 25 patients aged 18 years and younger underwent treatment for 26 PCL injuries, one of which was bilateral. Fourteen patients had operative treatment and 11 patients were treated nonoperatively. Researchers reviewed demographic and clinical features of both groups and analyzed validated functional outcome measures.

No patients who underwent nonoperative treatment had symptomatic instability and their return-to-play rate was 100% at 26.7 months follow-up, mean. Their mean age was 14.4 years and, based on the study abstract, their mean functional results were 87.4 for the Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) score, 89 for the Lysholm score, and 7.5 for the Tegner score.

At 27.8 months mean clinical follow-up, the 14 patients (15 knees) who underwent surgery achieved full or near-full range of motion, according to the abstract. Researchers found no signs of growth arrest or angular deformity in any of the operated patients. However, one patient demonstrated mild joint-space narrowing and had mean Pedi-IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores of 81.3, 80.1 and 7.2, respectively.

Compared with patients without a dislocated knee, patients with knee dislocations had lower mean Pedi-IKDC scores of 70.2 vs. 85 points.

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.