Comparison of autogenous and allogenous posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions of the knee

This prospective clinical study was performed to compare the functional results and clinical outcomes of 32 autogenous and 23 allogenous posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstructions with an average follow-up of 34 months. Both groups showed similar age, gender and follow-up time. The indications for surgery included knees with functional disability due to pain and instability from high-energy PCL injury with failure of conservative treatments. Arthroscopic single-bundle PCL reconstruction was performed with a similar technique in both groups with the exception of graft selection. All patients received the same postoperative rehabilitation. The evaluation parameters included functional assessment, ligament laxity, functional score, kinematics evaluation and radiographic examination. Autogenous and allogenous PCL reconstructions showed comparable functional results and clinical outcomes. No statistically significant difference was noted in ligament laxity and radiographic changes between the two groups. Complications were more prevalent with autogenous grafts. In conclusion, autogenous and allogenous tendon grafts are equally effective in PCL reconstruction.