Suture Tape Augmentation Improves Posterior Stability After Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring Tendon Autograft With Single-Bundle Transtibial Technique

Purpose: To assess whether posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR) with suture tape augmentation can yield more stability after isolated PCLR. Methods: A prospective database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent primary isolated PCLR (control group) or isolated PCLR with suture tape augmentation (study group) Lysholm, and Tegner knee scores; posterior drawer test findings; posterior stress radiographs; and return-to-sports activity rates. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was used to evaluate clinical relevance (subjective IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores). Results: A total of 59 patients were included in this analysis (28 in control group and 31 in study group). The average length of follow-up was similar between the study and control groups (48.6 months vs 47.9 months, P = .800). Knee function was significantly improved in the study group in terms of subjective IKDC scores (85.1 +/- 6.4 in study group vs 79.8 +/- 6.4 in control group, P = .002), Lysholm scores (86.3 +/- 7.4 vs 80.8 +/- 7.4, P = .005), and Tegner scores (7.0 +/- 1.4 vs 5.6 +/- 1.7, P = .006). However, the differences between the control and study groups were less than the MCID for the subjective IKDC score and Lysholm score. In the control and study groups, 21.4% of patients (6 of 28) and 48.4% of patients (15 of 31), respectively, returned to their preinjury sports activity levels (P = .031). At last follow-up, the mean sideto-side difference in posterior laxity was significantly improved in the study group compared with the control group (1.52 +/- 0.70 mm in study group vs 3.17 +/- 2.01 mm in control group, P < .01). Conclusions: Primary isolated PCLR with suture tape augmentation provides better posterior stability than PCLR without suture tape augmentation at a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. No differences between the groups were observed in the percentage of patients who met or exceeded the MCID for the subjective IKDC and Lysholm scores. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.