Avulsion fracture of the tibial attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament. Indications and results of delayed repair.

In a series of delayed repair in 8 instances of avulsion fracture of the tibial attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament, 6 were isolated avulsion fractures of the tibial attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament and 2 were associated with the fractures of the tibial condyle. Staple fixation was used exclusively. The detachment of the posterior horn of the meniscus was observed in 6 of 8 cases. Four cases, in which the surgery had been carried out within 7 weeks after the injuries, had excellent results. The other cases in which the surgery had been carried out more than 11 weeks after the injuries, had less than satisfactory results. Pain on motion or synovial effusion disappeared but residual anteroposterior instability remained. Repair of the avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament is recommended in cases of delayed or non-union with symptoms.