[Damage of the knee posterior cruciate ligament: biomechanics, basic diagnostics, treatment and secondary osteoarthritis prevention directions]

The analysis of literature data was performed on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) of the knee joint. PCL is the largest intra-articular ligament of the knee joint, can withstand the maximum loads compared with other ligaments. It was noted that, in general, in cases of damage to the PCL, it is necessary to use a set of diagnostic methods, and the basic principles for the choice of optimal treatment plan for this patient. It considered the results of the conservative treatment of PCL partial ruptures, and it is indicated that this approach increases the risk of degenerative anatomical structures and functional disorders of the joint. It was noted that it is advisable to conduct surgical treatment to restore the stability of the knee joint and normalize function, while a number of methods for the reconstruction of PCL have been proposed to date. The usage of chondroprotectors for prevention of the secondary osteoarthrosis of the knee joint affected by posterior cruciate ligament rupture was analyzed in the literature data.