Biomechanics comparison of modified posterior tibial splint hinge knee brace and PCL brace in PCL insufficiency: Cadaveric study

Abstract Background: Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is an intra-articular structure. Non-operative treatment with PCL brace is mainstay treatment for acute isolated PCL injury. Commercial PCL brace typically cost expensive. We developed an applied PCL brace for substituted commercial PCL brace. Objective: To compare posterior tibial translation of applied PCL brace and commercial PCL brace in cadaver with section PCL. Material and Method: This experimental development study conducted in 4 fresh human cadavers (8 knees). All cadaver’s knees with native PCL, section PCL and PCL brace were tested with 150 newton force from telos stress device and measurement of posterior tibial displacement was done under fluoroscope. Results: Posterior tibial translation in native PCL at 30, 60 and 90 degrees are -0.625±09.1, -0.375±0.192 and -1.000±1.31 mm, in section PCL are -8.875±1.81, -7.500±0.32 and -7.625±2.13 mm. In section PCL with commercial PCL brace, posterior tibial translation at 30, 60 and 90 degrees are 4.500±6.28, 3.750±7.17 and 4.500±8.98 mm. Applied PCL brace with section PCL, posterior tibial translation at 30, 60 and 90 degrees 4.75±8.92, 3.375±8.78 and 3.875±11.83 mm. Conclusion: Commercial PCL brace and applied PCL brace can reduce posterior tibial translation in PCL injury groups with statistically significant. Applied PCL brace is not inferior in reduce posterior tibial translation in PCL injury groups when compared with commercial PCL brace. This study is biomechanics study in cadaver, some variable may not include in this study such as hamstring muscle force.