Return to sports after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery: A systematic review

The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the anatomy, injury mechanism, and management of Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries. It specifically focuses on operative treatment through PCL reconstruction and evaluates the outcomes for patients' return to sport based on patient satisfaction and functional scores. A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases. The search included academic journals published until approximately July 15, 2024. The keywords used were a combination of [posterior cruciate ligament] OR [PCL] AND [reconstruction] AND [return-to-sport] OR [return-to-play]. Out of all the cases reviewed, 318 PCL cases met the study criteria. Of these, 71.28% of patients were able to return to sports after PCL reconstruction. The time it took for patients to return to their sport varied by individual and depended on their specific activity level. PCL injuries are a significant issue in sports medicine. Based on the findings of this review, PCL reconstruction is a viable treatment option that allows a large majority of patients (over 70%) to return to sports. The specific timeline for this return varies among individuals.