The posterior cruciate ligament in total knee replacement

Whether to retain or sacrifice the posterior cruciate ligament during total knee replacement is controversial. This review examines the evidence for and against retention of the ligament and suggests circumstances in which the ligament should be sacrificed and those in which it is advantageous to keep it. The review discusses the function and anatomy of the posterior cruciate ligament, a historical overview of knee prosthesis design, surgical techniques for performing knee replacement with either retention or resection and advantages and disadvantages of both methods.