Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury www.sportsinjuryclinic.net www.sportsinjuryclinic.net By: Jonathan Juste

Posterior Cruciate Ligament The Posterior cruciate ligament connects the femur to the tibia. The PCL is located behind the Anterior cruciate ligament and The PCL is more durable than the ACL but can still be torn(Rare) www.webmd.com

Prevalence of PCL tears PCL injuries are rare, they make up about 20% of knee injuries This injury can lead to other injuries Tearing a ligament badly can result in bone chipping/loss www.docpods.com radiopaedia.org

Causes of PCL Injuries PCL injuries happen due to a strike that causes the knee to move backwards instances include: Striking the knee on the dashboard during a car accident Bearing heavy weight on the knee while its bent. PCL injuries are also common in these sports: Football Soccer Baseball Skiing www.kneejointsurgery.com

Severity of Tears Grade I: The PCL is torn slightly Grade II: The tear is more significant and the ligament is loose Grade III: The ligament is no longer connected and the knee is loose Grade IV: The PCL is torn and other ligaments are damaged www.braceability.com

Symptoms of PCL Injury Swelling (mild to severe) Knee pain Symptoms include: Swelling (mild to severe) Knee pain Instability of knee Weight bearing issues After time, osteoarthritis can occur

Diagnosing PCL tears The position of the knee during injury A doctor may ask: The position of the knee during injury The feeling of the knee after the injury Or any preexisting symptoms. A doctor may use physical examinations, walking test, and various forms of imaging including X-ray and MRI. My knee feels wobbly

Early Treatment PRICE is the procedure taken for initial treatment Protecting the knee by isolating it Resting- the knee by avoiding weight bearing Ice- Cooling the knee to reduce swelling Compress- Using a brace to immobilize the knee Elevation- to promote proper healing.

Leg Strengthening Exercises www.directlyfitness.com www.bodybuilding.com http://woman.thenest.com/ en.wikipedia.org

Surgery Patients who may need surgery exhibit these symptoms. A PCL injury that involves bone chipping or loss A ligament injury involving more than one ligament Looseness in the PCL that is chronic Surgery for the PCL usually involves replacing the ligament with new tissue

References Biren, A. & Sterner R. (2013). Kinesiology: An Applied Approach New Jersey: Linus Publications

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