Posterior cruciate ligament-sparing versus posterior cruciate ligament-sacrificing arthroplasty. Functional results using the same prosthesis.

The functional outcomes of 143 total knee arthroplasties performed by 1 surgeon between 1988 and 1992 were reviewed. Ninety-three procedures were carried out with sacrifice of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL); in 50, the PCL was preserved. All cases were performed using the Kinemax prosthesis (Howmedica, Rutherford, NJ). Demographically, there were no differences between the 2 patient groups. Patients were evaluated over a mean follow-up period of 3 years (range, 2-6 years) using the 100-point Hospital for Special Surgery knee scoring system. The data revealed no difference in clinical or early radiographic outcome between PCL-sacrificing and PCL-retaining arthroplasties and support the argument that PCL sacrifice should be considered in cases in which extensive releases and complex ligamentous balancing are required.