In vivo kinematic comparison of posterior cruciate ligament retention or sacrifice with a mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty.

Video fluoroscopy and computer photogrammetry was used to evaluate 20 knees with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining and 19 knees with PCL sacrificing total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) with a mobile bearing total condylar prosthesis compared with 10 normal patients. In extension, femorotibial contact was posterior for TKA patients (P<.05) and demonstrated anterior translation from 60 degrees-90 degrees flexion. However, posterior rollback with limited translation was seen from 0 degrees-40 degrees, which may reflect the high congruity of this prosthesis. Fifty percent of meniscal bearing implants demonstrated bearing translation. Kinematics and weight-bearing range of motion were similar with PCL retention or sacrifice.