Patellar tendon graft vs. Semitendinosus and Gracilis graft for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: An isokinetic and functional study one year after the operation

Objective: to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) by means of the double bundle technique with the ipsilateral semitendinosus and gracilis (St-Gr) and the single bundle technique with the ipsilateral patellar tendon (PT). Methods and measures: 14 patients had randomly been assigned to either PT ot St-Gr graft for PCL reconstruction. The IKDC Knee Ligament Evaluation Form, the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, the Cincinnati Knee Rating Scale and concentric isokinetic knee extensor-flexor test at 60 and 180°/s were used to compare the results. Results: there were no significant differences in the clinical scores. The isokinetic tests, however, disclosed a significant loss of strength at the harvest site. Conclusion: since biomechanical considerations underscore the importance of recovery of the quadriceps after PCL reconstruction, employment of the semitendinous and gracilis with a possible loss of flexor strength could be rationally more acceptable solution than reconstruction with the patellar tendon and weakening of the extensors.