We undertook a study of 52 knees in 34 patients who underwent a cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for severely deformed knees. At an average follow up of 12 years the knees were evaluated clinically and radiologically by means of stress radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to assess the functional status of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The knee scores showed a consistent and sustained improvement over the pre-operative levels. Stress radiographs did not show any posterior translation of the tibia. In 43 knees an intact PCL was visualized on MRI scans.

These observations suggest that the PCL is present at long term review even in knees that underwent arthroplasty for severe deformities.