Patterns of Meniscus Tears Associated with Posterior Cruciate Ligament Lesions

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and patterns of meniscus tear accompanying the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) lesion.

81 patients with a diagnosis of chronic PCL tear that underwent PCL reconstruction surgery were included in the study. The patients’ files were reviewed. The location and grade of cartilage damage, the location and pattern of meniscus tears, the interval between diagnosis and surgical procedure, and the treatment method were collected.

The average interval between the incidence of trauma and surgery was 16.73±33.1 months. The interval between the incidence of trauma and surgery in patients with meniscal tear was 24.6±4.86 months and in patients without meniscal tear was 12.76±2.1 months Meniscal tear was detected in 27 patients (33.3). It was in medial meniscus in 19 (23.5%) and in lateral menisci in eight (9.9%) patients. The most common site of meniscal tear was root tear and mostly avulsion of meniscus root. Of these, 6 patients had posterior root avulsion of medial menisci. Cartilage lesions were detected in 14 patients (17.3%).

Based on the present study. The most common pattern of meniscal tear in cases of PCL tear is posterior medial meniscus avulsion tear. Such a tear deteriorates overtime.