Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft: Functional Outcomes and Donor-Site Morbidity : A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22317/jcms.v11i5.1804Keywords:
Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft, Knee Arthroscopic Surgery, Functional outcomes, Systematic reviewAbstract
Objective: Autografts or allografts are used frequently in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. This study aims to assess functional results and donor-site morbidity associated with using the peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft in primary posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction.
Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched the literature through multiple databases. After using predetermined eligibility criteria, seven studies published between 2019 and 2024 were included in this systematic review.
All studies reported quantitative outcomes in patients who underwent isolated PCL reconstruction using PLT autografts and had a follow-up of ≥12 months... Extracted data included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm and Cincinnati scores, hop test results, thigh circumference differences, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores.
Results: The analysis included a total of 178 patients, with 131 males and 47 females. The average follow-up duration was 22.36 ± 3.18 months, and their mean age was 33.74 ± 6.10 years. Significant improvement was observed in all measured functional outcome scores. The average IKDC score was 82.48. The average postoperative Lysholm score was 84.44. Furthermore, the Modified Cincinnati score increased by more than 30 points, and the Hop test results revealed that limb function exceeded 91% compared to the contralateral side. Differences in thigh circumference ranged from –0.7 cm to –1.5 cm and were not considered clinically significant.
The average AOFAS score was 92.34, and the FADI score averaged 94.30, indicating preservation of ankle function and minimal impairment at the donor site. Comparative studies showed that the use of PLT autografts yielded equal or superior outcomes to hamstring autografts.
Conclusion: PCL reconstructions that use PLT autografts have shown encouraging results, resulting in favorable functional outcomes and minimal donor-site morbidity. However, evidence remains constrained, as it is primarily derived from small, single-center studies with low-level designs and high bias risk. Future high-quality randomized studies are necessary to confirm the broad use of this technique.
Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD420251146242
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