To compare the results of posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by open and arthroscopic method.

From 1995 to 1997, 18 reconstructions of posterior cruciate ligament were performed. Group 1 (open method) was composed of 9 cases and group 2 (arthroscopic method) was consisted of 9 cases. After 21-month follow-up, The two groups were compared by clinical and radiologic methods.

Clinically, Lysholm knee score was 80 points in group 1 and 83 points in group 2 after operation. Post operative results by Hughston's criteria were good in 5, fair in 2 and poor in 2 cases (group 1) and good in 6, fair in 2 and poor in 1 cases (group 2). Radiologically, post operative average of posterior drawer stress view was 5.2 mm (group 1) and 5.0 mm (group 2). Almost double the operation time was taken to reconstruct posterior cruciate ligament by arthroscopic method than open method. There were technical errors in 2 cases performed by arthroscopic method.

The results of both methods had no significant difference. We think that the reconstruction of PCL using patellar tendon by open method is a recommendable treatment method together with arthroscopic method, if the merits or demerits of both methods are considered carefully. But more long-term follow-up is necessary to compare the results of PCL reconstruction by open and arthroscopic methods.