1. Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
By: Jonathan Juste

2. 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)

3. 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
radiopaedia.org

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. Leg Strengthening Exercises
en.wikipedia.org

10. 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

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

12. The End!