Abstract
Posterior cruciate insufficiency has been treated either conservatively or surgically by a number of different procedures utilizing both artificial ligaments and autogenous structures. Each procedure has its own limitation and advantage. We present two patients with chronic posterior cruciate insufficiency who underwent transfer of the medial head of gastrocnemius.
Case 1 (22 years, male) suffered a right knee injury in a traffic accident in October 1984. Posterior sag and pain persisted until he presented to our clinic in July 1985. Arthroscopy showed a complete tear of the posterior cruciate ligament. The Hughston technique was performed on his right knee in August 1985. Case 2 (19 years, male) suffered open fractures of the tibia and the calcaneus, which were treated with primary osteosyntheses in June 1986. He had residual pain and instability of his right knee. In July 1987, he was also operated using same procedure. Follow-up time after surgery was 38 and 15 months, respectively. The outcome was good subjectvely, functionally and objectively (Hughston's criteria), although the posterior drawer sign persisted. The Hughston technique is not difficult and good functional results can be expected. This procedure is useful in old injuries with severe instability or fresh injuries where primary repair is impossible.
