Comparison of the effects of posterior cruciate ligament-sparing and cruciate ligament-sacrificing total knee prostheses on the kinetic, kinematic and spatiotemporal gait parameters

Several studies have confirmed the high success rate of total knee replacement in patients with degenerative arthritis. However, there is still controversy on whether retention or sacrifice of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) results in the best clinical outcomes. In the present study the gait characteristics of 54 patients with either a PCL-sacrificing or PCL-retaining prosthesis were evaluated with a state-of-the-art motion analysis system. There were no statistically significant differences in the spatiotemporal or kinematic gait parameters between the groups. However, the knee flexion moments were significantly increased nine months after surgery in those who had a PCL-retaining implant. It is postulated that this may reduce the long term longevity of the prosthesis