Posterior cruciate ligament

What is the posterior cruciate ligament?

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a ligament in the knee that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), but is larger and stronger, however, it can be torn by injury, although ACL injuries are much more common.

Symptoms of a posterior cruciate ligament injury are:

  • Pain and difficulty walking
  • Swelling
  • Instability (knee may give way)

Medical tests to diagnose a posterior cruciate ligament injury:

First, a specialist will ask you to tell him or her what may have caused the injury and how it occurred. A physical exam will also be done, in which you will lie on your back with your knee bent. The specialist will put pressure against the upper shin and any abnormal movement of the knee can usually indicate a PCL injury. X-rays also help diagnose a PCL injury and can indicate if any bony fragments have loosened. An MRI can show the exact location of the problem in the PCL.

The main cause of a PCL occurs when bending or falling on this knee.

What are the causes of a posterior cruciate ligament injury?

PCL injuries usually happen when the knee is bent and are commonly caused by either car accidents or falling on this knee. Sports injuries often cause PCL injuries, such as soccer or skiing.

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Can a PCL injury be prevented?

It is impossible to avoid unanticipated injuries, but generally contact sports are the most important risk factor for PCL injuries. Therefore, being careful when participating in these sports will help avoid injury.

Treatments for a posterior cruciate ligament injury:

Depending on the severity of the PCL injury and whether or not the injury has just occurred, the treatment will differ. Surgery is often not necessary. Pain relievers can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Using this advice will also help:

  • Rest: avoid putting weight on the injured knee.
  • Ice: apply ice to the knee 3-4 times a day or a few days.
  • Compression: an elastic bandage around the knee may help.
  • Elevation: using a pillow to elevate the knee will reduce swelling.

Physical therapy will give you exercises to strengthen the knee. A knee brace and crutches may also be needed. Surgery may be necessary if the injury is severe or if other ligaments have been torn or if bones have been broken. Surgery will reconstruct the ligament. This can be done either as open surgery or arthroscopically, using an arthroscope.

What type of specialist treats a posterior cruciate ligament injury?

An orthopedic surgeon may treat posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries.