We examined the role of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in 202 consecutive PCL-substituting total knee arthroplasties (TKA) performed in 162 patients between November 1984 and December 1995. The average age at surgery was 59.8 years (range 38-85 years). The average follow-up period was 5.4 years (range 2-14 years). The original diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis in 182 knees and osteoarthritis in 20 knees. All knees were replaced with cemented components. The patients' knees were evaluated by radiography and by knee kinematics.
Using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System, the mean knee score increased from 38.8 to 81.3. at the final follow-up. The incidence of moderate or severe pain was reduced from 85% to 5%. The mean preoperative arc of motion was 98°, and the mean postoperative one was 99°. Overall, 82% of the results were good or excellent at the final follow-up.…
