Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament

  • Chapter
Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

  • 288 Accesses

Abstract

Numerous clinical, biomechanical, and anatomic studies have been devoted to the investigation of the function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee and the treatment of ACL injuries. These studies have resulted in a better understanding of ACL function and improved surgical outcomes of ACL reconstructions. The success rate of ACL reconstruction is now as high as 80% to 90%.1–3 In contrast, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) has received much less attention regarding its anatomic and biomechanical roles in knee function. The lack of scientific data may in part explain the poorer clinical outcomes following PCL injury and surgery, compared to those for the ACL.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Harner CD, Olson JJ, Irrgang JJ, Silverstein S, Fu FH, Silbey M. Allograft versus autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Clin Orthop 1996;324:134–144.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Shelbourne KD, Grey T. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autogenous patellar tendon graft followed by accelerated rehabilitation. A two- to nine-year follow-up. Am J Sports Med 1997;25:786–795.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Shelbourne KD, Nitz P. Accelerated rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med 1990;18:292–299.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Bianchi M. Acute tears of the posterior cruciate ligament: clinical study and results of operative treatment in 27 cases. Am J Sports Med 1983;11:308–314.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Clancy WG, Shelborne KD, Zoellner GB, Keene JS, Reider B, Rosenberg TD. Treatment of knee joint instability secondary to rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament. J Bone Joint Surg 1983;65A:310–322.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Clendenin MB, DeLee JC, Heckman JD. Interstitial tears of the posterior cruciate ligament of the knee. Orthopaedics 1980;3:764–772.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Harner CD, Höher J. Evaluation and treatment of posterior cruciate ligament injuries. Am J Sports Med 1998;26:471–482.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Kennedy JC, Grainger RW. The posterior cruciate ligament. J Trauma 1967;7:367–377.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Fanelli GC, Edson CJ. Posterior cruciate ligament injuries in trauma patients: part II. Arthroscopy 1995;11:526–529.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Cross MJ, Fracs MB, Powell JF. Long-term follow-up of posterior cruciate ligament rupture: a study of 116 cases. Am J Sports Med 1984;12:292–297.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Degenhardt TC, Hughston JC. Chronic posterior cruciate instability: nonoperative management. Orthop Trans 1981;5:486–487.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Keller PM, Shelbourne DK, McCarroll JR, Retting AC. Nonoperative treated isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries. Am J Sports Med 1993;21:132–136.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Parolie JM, Bergfeld JA. Long-term results of nonoperative treatment of isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries in the athlete. Am J Sports Med 1986;14:35–38.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Dandy DJ, Pusey R. The long-term results of unrepaired tears of the posterior cruciate ligament. J Bone Joint Surg 1982;64B:92–94.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Dejour H, Walch G, Peyrot J, Eberhard P. The natural history of rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament. Rev Chir Orthop Repar Appareil Moteur 1988;74:35–43.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Barrett GR, Savoie FH. Operative management of acute PCL injuries with associated pathology: long-term results. Orthopaedics 1991;14:687–692.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Fleming RE, Blatz DJ, McCarroll JR. Posterior problems in the knee: posterior cruciate insufficiency and posterolateral rotatory insufficiency. Am J Sports Med 1981;9:107–113.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Harner CD, Miller M. Isolated PCL reconstruction using fresh-frozen allograft. Paper presented at AOSSM specialty day, New Orleans, LA, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Insall JN, Hood RW. Bone-block transfer of the medial head of the gastrocnemius for posterior cruciate insufficiency. J Bone Joint Surg 1982;64A:691–699.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Lipscomb AB Jr, Anderson AF, Norwig ED, Hovis WD, Brown DL. Isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Long-term results. Am J Sports Med 1993;21:490–496.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Noyes SS, Grood ES, Cummings J, VanGinkel LA. Posterior subluxations of the medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartments: an in vitro ligament sectioning study in cadaveric knees. Am J Sports Med 1993;21:407–414.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Torg JS, Barton TM, Pavlov H, Stine R. Natural history of the posterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee. Clin Orthop 1982;164:59–77.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Girgis FG, Marshall JL, Al Monajem ARS. The cruciate ligaments of the knee joint: anatomical, functional and experimental analysis. Clin Orthop 1975;106:216–231.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Van Dommelen BA, Fowler PJ. Anatomy of the posterior cruciate ligament: a review. Am J Sports Med 1989;14:24–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Barton TM, Torg JS, Das M. Posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. A review of the literature. Am J Sports Med 1984;12:419–430.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Covey DC, Sapega AA. Current concepts review: injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament. J Bone Joint Surg 1993;75A:1376–1386.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Harner CD, Xerogeanes JW, Livesay GA, et al. The human posterior cruciate ligament complex: an interdisciplinary study-ligament morphology and biomechanical evaluation. Am J Sports Med 1995;23:736–745.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Race A, Amis AA. The mechanical properties of the two bundles of the human posterior cruciate ligament. J Biomech 1994;27:13–24.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Harner CD, Baek GH, Vogrin TM, Carlin GJ, Kashiwaguchi S, Woo SL-Y. Quantitative analysis of human cruciate ligament insertions. Arthroscopy 1999;15 ( 7 ):741–749.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Kusayama T, Harner CD, Carlin GJ, Xerogeanes JW, Smith BA. Anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of human meniscofemoral ligaments. Knee Surg Sports Traum Arthrosc 1994;2:234–237.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Gollehon DL, Torzilli PA, Warren RE The role of the posterolateral and cruciate ligaments in the stability of the human knee. J Bone Joint Surg 1987;69A:233–242.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Grood ES, Stowers SF, Noyes FR. Limits of movement in the human knee: the effects of sectioning the PCL and posterolateral structures. J Bone Joint Surg 1988;70A:88–97.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Vogrin TM, Höher J, Aroen A, Carlin GJ, Woo SL-Y, Harner CD. Effects of sectioning the posterolateral structures on knee kinematics and in situ forces in the posterior cruciate ligament. Knee Surg, Sports Trauma, Arthrosc 2000;8:93–98.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Veltri DM, Deng X-H, Torzilli PA, Warren RF, Maynard MJ. The role of the cruciate and posterolateral ligaments in the stability of the knee. Am J Sports Med 1995;23:436–443.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Seebacher JR, Inglis AE, Marshall JL, Warren RE The structure of the posterolateral aspect of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg 1982;64A:536–541.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Staubli HU. Posteromedial and posterolateral capsular injuries associated with posterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev 1994;2:146–164.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Staubli HU, Birrer S. The popliteus tendon and its fascicles at the popliteal hiatus: gross anatomy and functional arthroscopic evaluation with and without anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. J Arthrosc Rel Surg 1990;6:209–219.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Watanabe Y, Moriya H, Takahashi K, et al. Functional anatomy of the posterolateral structures of the knee. J Arthrosc Rel Surg 1993;9:57–62.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Heller L, Langman J. The meniscofemoral ligaments of the human knee. J Bone Joint Surg 1964;46B:307–313.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Odensten M, Gillquist J. Functional anatomy of the anterior cruciate ligament and a rationale for reconstruction. J Bone Joint Surg 1985;67A:257–261.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Gratz CM. Tensile strength and elasticity tests on human fascia lata. J Bone Joint Surg 1931;13:334–340.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Nunley RL. The ligament flava of the dog. A study of tensile and physical properties. Am J Phys Med 1958;37:256–268.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Wright DG, Renneis DC. A study of the elastic properties of plantar fascia. J Bone Joint Surg 1964;46A:482–492.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Allard P, Thirty PS, Bourgault A, Drouin G. Pressure dependence of the area micrometer method in evaluation of cruciate ligament cross-section. J Biomed Eng 1979;1:265–267.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Butler DL, Grood ES, Noyes FR, Zernicke RF, Brackett K. Effects of structure and strain measurement technique on the material properties of young human tendons and fascia. J Biomech 1984;17:579–596.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Ellis DG. A shadow amplitude method for measuring cross sectional area of biological specimens. Annu Conf Eng Med Biol 1986;51:6.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Walker LB, Harris EH, Benedict JV. Stress-strain relations in human cadaveric plantaris tendon: a preliminary study. Med Electron Biol Eng 1964;2:31–38.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Race A, Amis AA. A molding method to find cross-sections of soft tissue bundles with complex shapes. Trans ORS 1994;19:783.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Gupta BN, Subramanian KN, Brinker WO, Gupta AN. Tensile strength of canine cranial cruciate ligaments. Am J Vet Res 1971;32:183–190.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Iaconis F, Steindler R, Marinozzi G. Measurements of cross-sectional area of collagen structures (knee ligaments) by means of an optical method. J Biomech 1987;20:1003–1010.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Njus GO, Njus NM. A noncontact method for determining cross-sectional area of soft tissues. Trans ORS 1986;11:126.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Lee TQ, Woo SL-Y. A new method for determining cross-sectional shape and area of soft tissues. J Biomech Eng 1988;110:110–114.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Woo SL-Y, Danto MI, Ohland KJ, Lee TQ, Newton PO. The use of a laser micrometer system to determine the cross-sectional shape and area of ligaments: a comparative study with two existing methods. J Biomech Eng 1990;112:426–431.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Morgan CD, Kalman VR, Grawl DM. Definitive landmarks for reproducible tibial tunnel placement in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy 1995;11:275–288.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Morgan CD, Kalman VR, Grawl DM. The anatomic origin of the posterior cruciate ligament: where is it? Reference landmarks for PCL reconstruction. Arthroscopy 1997;13:325–331.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Craig AS, Eikenberry EF, Parry DAD. Ultrastructural organization of skin: classification on the basis of mechanical role. Connect Tissue Res 1987;16: 213–223.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Flint MH, Craig AS, Reilly HC, Gillard GC, Parry DAD. Collagen fibril diameters and glycosaminoglycan content of skin: indices of tissue maturity and function. Connect Tissue Res 1984;13:69–81.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Oakes BW. Collagen ultrastructure in the normal ACL and ACL graft. In Jackson DW, ed. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Current and Future Concepts. New York: Raven Press, 1993:209–217.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Parry DAD, Barnes GRG, Craig AS. A comparison of the size distribution of collagen fibrils in connective tissues as a function of age and a possible relation between fibril size distribution and mechanical properties. Proc R Soc Lond Biol Sci 1978;203:293–303.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Binkley JM, Peat M. The effect of immobilization on the ultrastructure and mechanical properties of the medial collateral ligaments of rats. Clin Orthop 1986;203:301–308.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Christel PS, Gibbons DE Collagen fiber changes in the exercised, immobilized or injured anterior cruciate ligament. In: Jackson DW, ed. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Current and Future Concepts. New York: Raven Press, 1993:195–208.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Neurath M, Stofft E, Zschabitz A, Printz H. Comparative microstructural studies on collagen and elastic fiber systems of the cruciate ligaments. Z Unfallchir Versicherungsmed 1991;84:170–176.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Strocchi R, Pasquale VD, Gubellini P. The human anterior cruciate ligament: histological and ultrastructural observations. J Anat 1992;180:515–519.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Baek GH, Carlin GJ, Vogrin TM, Woo SL-Y, Harner CD. A quantitative analysis of collagen fibrils of the cruciate and meniscofemoral ligaments. Clin Orthop 1998;357:205–211.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Kennedy JC, Hawkins RJ, Willis RB, Danylchuk KD. Tension studies of human knee ligaments: yield point, ultimate failure, and disruption of the cruciate and tibial collateral ligaments. J Bone Joint Surg 1976;58A:350–355.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Prietto MP, Bain JR, Stonebrook SN, Settlage RA. Tensile strength of the human posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Trans ORS 1988;13:195.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Butler DL, Noyes FR, Grood ES. Ligamentous restraints to anterior-posterior drawer in the human knee. J Bone Joint Surg 1980;62A:259–270.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Inoue M, McGurk-Burleson E, Hollis JM, Woo SL-Y. Treatment of the medial collateral ligament injury. I: The importance of anterior cruciate ligament on the varus-valgus knee laxity. Am J Sports Med 1987;15:15–21.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Livesay GA, Rudy TW, Woo SL-Y, et al. Evaluation of the effect of joint constraints on the in situ force distribution in the anterior cruciate ligament. J Orthop Res 1997;15:278–284.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. 73. Skyhar M, Warren R, Ortiz G, Schwartz E, Otis J. The effects of sectioning of the posterior cruciate ligament and the posterolateral complex on the ar-

    Google Scholar 

  71. ticular contact pressures within the knee. J Bone Joint Surg 1993;75A:694–699.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Barry D, Ahmed AM. Design and performance of a modified buckle transducer for the measurement of ligament tension. J Biomech Eng 1986;108:149–152.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Fox RJ, Harner CD, Sakane M, Carlin GJ, Woo SL-Y. In situ forces in the human posterior cruciate ligament: a cadaveric study. Am J Sports Med 1998;26:395–401.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Hoher J, Vogrin TM, Woo SL-Y, Carlin GJ, Aroen A, Harner CD. In situ forces in the human posterior cruciate ligament in response to muscle loads: a cadaveric study. J Orthop Res 1999;17:763–768.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Holden JP, Grood ES, Korvick DL, Cummings JF, Butler DL, Bylski-Austrow DI. In-vivo forces in the anterior cruciate ligament: direct measurements during walking and trotting in a quadruped. J Biomech 1994;27:517–526.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Hollis MJ, Takai S, Adams DJ, Horibe S, Woo SL-Y. The effects of knee motion and external loading on the length of the anterior cruciate ligament: a kinematic study. J Biomech Eng 1991;113:208–214.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Lewis JL, Lew WD, Schmidt J. A note on the application and evaluation of the buckle transducer for knee ligament force measurement. J Biomech Eng 1982;104:125–128.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Markolf KL, Slauterbeck JR, Armstrong KL, Shapiro MS, Finerman GA. Effects of combined knee loadings on posterior cruciate ligament force generation. J Bone Joint Surg 1996;14:633–638.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Markolf KL, Wascher DC, Finerman GAM. Direct in vitro measurement of forces in cruciate ligaments. Part II: the effect of section of the posterolateral structures. J Bone Joint Surg 1993;75A:387–394.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Race A, Amis AA. Loading of the two bundles of the posterior cruciate ligament: an analysis of bundle function in A-P drawer. J Biomech 1996;29:873–879.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Takai S, Woo SL-Y, Livesay GA, Adams DJ. Determination of load in the human anterior cruciate ligament. Trans ORS 1991;16:235.

    Google Scholar 

  82. Markolf KL, Gorek JF, Kabo JM, Shapiro MS. Direct measurement of resultant forces in the anterior cruciate ligament. J Bone Joint Surg 1990;72A:557–567.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Fujie H, Livesay GA, Woo SL-Y, Kashiwaguchi S, Blomstrom G. The use of a universal force-moment sensor to determine in-situ forces in ligaments: a new methodology. J Biomech Eng 1995;117:1–19.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Fujie H, Mabuchi K, Woo SL-Y, Livesay GA, Arai S, Tsukamoto Y. The use of robotics technology to study human joint kinematics: a new methodology. J Biomech Eng 1993;115:211–217.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Rudy TW, Livesay GA, Woo SL-Y, Fu FH. A combined robotic/universal force sensor approach to determine in situ forces of knee ligaments. J Biomech 1996;29:1357–1360.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Harner CD, Höher J, Vogrin TM, Carlin GJ, Woo SL-Y. Effects of a popliteus muscle load on in situ forces in the PCL and knee kinematics: a cadaveric study. Am J Sports Med 1998;26(5):669–673.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Burns WC, Draganich LF, Pyevich M, Reider B. The effect of femoral tunnel position and graft tensioning technique on posterior laxity of the posterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed knee. Am J Sports Med 1995;23:424–430.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Covey DC, Sapega AA, Sherman GM. Testing for isometry during reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament. Am J Sports Med 1996;24:740–746.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Galloway MT, Grood ES, Mehalik JN, Levy M, Saddler SC, Noyes FR. Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: in vitro study of femoral and tibial graft placement. Am J Sports Med 1996;24:437–445.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Race A, Amis AA. PCL reconstruction: in vitro biomechanical evaluation of isometric versus single and double bundled anatomic grafts. J Bone Joint Surg 1998;80B:173–179.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Harner CD, Janaushek MA, Ma CB, Kanamori A, Vogrin TM, Woo SL-Y. The effects of knee flexion angle and application of an anterior tibial load on the biomechanics of a posterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed knee. Am J Sports Med 2000;28:460–465.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Sidles JA, Larson RV, Garbini JL, Downey DJ, Matsen FA III. Ligament length relationships in the moving knee. J Orthop Res 1988;6:593–610.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  93. Bach BR, Daluga DJ, Mikosz R, Andriacchi TP, Seidl R. Force displacement characteristics of the posterior cruciate ligament. Am J Sports Med 1992;20:67–72.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Grood ES, Hefzy MS, Lindenfield TN. Factors affecting the region of most isometric femoral attachments. Part 1. The posterior cruciate ligament. Am J Sports Med 1989;20:351–355.

    Google Scholar 

  95. Hefzy MS, Grood ES, Lindenfield TL. The posterior cruciate ligament: a new look at length patterns. Trans ORS 1986;11:128.

    Google Scholar 

  96. Markolf KL, Slauterbeck JR, Armstrong KL, Shapiro MS, Finerman GA. A biomechanical study of replacement of the posterior cruciate ligament with a graft: forces in the graft compared with forces in the intact ligament. J Bone Joint Surg 1997;79A:381–386.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  97. Petermann J, Gotzen L, Trus P. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction-an in vitro study of isometry Part II. Tests using an experimental PCL graft model. Knee Surg Sports Traum Arthrosc 1994;2:104–106.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  98. Ogata K, McCarthy JA. Measurements of length and tension patterns during reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament. Am J Sports Med 1992;20:351–355.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. Bomberg BC, Acker JH, Boyle J. The effect of posterior cruciate ligament loss and reconstruction on the knee. Am J Knee Surg 1990;3:85–96.

    Google Scholar 

  100. Dorlot JM, Christel P, Sedel L, Witvoet J. The displacement of the bony insertion sites of the cruciate ligaments during flexion of the knee. Trans ORS 1983;8:328.

    Google Scholar 

  101. Pearsall AW, Pyevich M, Draganich LF, Larkin JJ, Reider B. In vitro study of knee stability after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Clin Orthop 1996;327:264–271.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  102. Stone JD, Carlin GJ, Ishibashi Y, Harner CD. Assessment of PCL graft performance using robotics technology. Am J Sports Med 1996;24:824–828.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Friederich NF. Kniegelenksfunktion und kreuzbänder. Biomechanische grundlagen füir rekonstruktion und rehabilitation. Orthopäde 1993;22:334–342.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  104. Jakob RP, Ruegsegger M. Therapy of posterior and posterolateral knee instability. Orthopaedics 1993;22:405–413.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Juergensen K, Edwards JC, Jakob RP. Positioning of the posterior cruciate ligament. Knee Surg Sports Traum Arthrosc 1994;2:133–137.

    Google Scholar 

  106. Warren RF, Veltri DF. Arthroscopically assisted posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Oper Tech Sports Med 1993;1:136–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  107. Wirth CJ, Jager M. Dynamic double tendon replacement of the posterior cruciate ligament. Am J Sports Med 1984;12:39–43.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Hughston JC, Andrews JA, Cross MJ. Classification of knee ligament instabilities: part II: the lateral compartment. J Bone Joint Surg 1976;58A;173–179.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Southmayd WW, Rubin BD. Reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament using the semimembranosus tendon. Clin Orthop 1980;150:196–197.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  110. Swenson TM, Harner CD, Fu FH. Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with allograft. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev 1994;2:120–128.

    Google Scholar 

  111. Noyes FR, Barber-Westin SD. Surgical restoration to treat chronic deficiency of the posterolateral complex and cruciate ligaments of the knee joint. Am J Sports Med 1996;24:415–426.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  112. Terry GC, LaPrade LE The posterolateral aspect of the knee: anatomy and surgical approach. Am J Sports Med 1996;24:732–739.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  113. Veltri DM, Warren RF. Operative treatment of posterolateral instability of the knee. Clin Sports Med 1994;13:615–627.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  114. Veltri DM, Warren RE Posterolateral instability of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg 1994;64A:460–472.

    Google Scholar 

  115. Watanabe Y, Moriya H, Takahashi K, et al. Functional anatomy of the posterolateral structures of the knee. J Arthrosc Rel Surg 1993;9:57–62.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  116. Dürselen L, Claes L, Kiefer H. The influence of muscle forces and external loads on cruciate ligament strain. Am J Sports Med 1995;23:129–136.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Clancy WG, Bisson LJ. Double bundle technique for reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament. Oper Tech Sports Med 1999;7:110–117.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  118. Petrie RS, Harner CD. Double bundle posterior cruciate ligament technique: University of Pittsburgh approach. Oper Tech Sports Med 1999;7:118–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  119. Kimar R, Beacon JP, LaBoreau JP. Two bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Paper presented at American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, New Orleans, 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  120. Berg EE. Posterior cruciate ligament tibial inlay reconstruction. Arthroscopy 1995;11:69–76.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  121. Harner CD, Livesay GA, Kashiwaguchi S, Fujie H, Choi NY, Woo SL-Y. Comparative study of the size and shape of human anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. J Orthop Res 1995;13:429–434.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  122. Fu FH, Harner CD, Vince KG. Knee surgery. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Christopher D. Harner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Tracy M. Vogrin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Savio L-Y. Woo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sports Injury Clinic and Arthroscopic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, 17822-2130, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA

    Gregory C. Fanelli MD (Chief) (Chief)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2001 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Harner, C. ., Vogrin, T.M., Woo, S.LY. (2001). Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament. In: Fanelli, G.C. (eds) Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-21601-0_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-21601-0_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-6216-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-21601-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation