Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the strongest ligament in the knee. It keeps the tibia (lower leg bone) from sliding behind the femur (thigh bone). A PCL tear or injury is a partial or complete tearing or stretching of any part of the ligament

The most common causes of PCL tears are a direct blow to the knee such as a fall on the knee or a car accident. A PCL tear can also occur as a result of overextending the knee (hyperextension), which can happen if you land awkwardly after jumping, for example. PCL injuries can often occur with other ligament tears or severe injuries such as knee dislocation.

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Note:If you suspect a PCL injury, it is important to be seen by a healthcare professional immediately. Waiting can make matters worse, and it is easier for us to repair any damage early on.

Symptoms of an PCL Injury

Some typical symptoms include:

1. Pain, swelling and instability
2. A pop is felt or heard
3. Sometimes occurs with other ligament or cartilage injuries

Diagnosis of PCL Injuries

Diagnosis involves a clinical exam and may be supported by imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI to assess any additional damage to the knee. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to ensure accurate and comprehensive assessments.

Treatment for PCL Injuries (Non-surgical)

Partial PCL tears and some isolated complete tears can be treated without surgery. This can only be determined during an examination by an experienced physician. You should know and consider the short- and long-term consequences of your options.

Your doctor may recommend:

1. Rest
2. Ice
3. Elevating the joint above the level of the heart
4. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain
5. Physical therapy
6. Splinting or Brace

The most important component in full recovery is physical therapy.

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