Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
(PCL Tear)
Pronounced: pos-tea-ree-or kru-shee-ate lig-a-ment
by
Diana Kohnle
Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment
Definition
The posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL, is a piece of connective tissue located within the knee near the back. The PCL connects the thighbone to the shinbone, and keeps the shinbone from moving too far backward.
When a strong force (such as during a sports activity or other high-stress activity) is applied to the PCL, the ligament can become strained or torn.
While an injury to the PCL requires extensive treatment and rehabilitation, the injury is treatable and rarely causes long-term serious complications. Complete recovery usually takes six months.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes
Injury to the PCL can be caused by a variety of events, including:
- Sports injury
- Motor vehicle accident
- Fall on a bent knee
- Strong force to the leg immediately below the kneecap
- Knee dislocation
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of injuring the PCL:
- Playing sports, especially football
- Injury to the knee, including dislocation
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Swelling in the knee, usually within three hours of an injury
- Soreness in the area behind the knee
- Weakness or instability in the knee (feeling like the knee is "giving way")
- Pain in the knee
- Difficulty walking on the knee
- Pain when moving the knee
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
- MRI scan
of the knee joint—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the knee joint
- X-ray
of the knee joint—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body. In this case, x-rays are used to show damage to any bones around the PCL.
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of PCL injury, but typical treatment options include:
RICE
(Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
This treatment is recommended for only minor tears. Crutches may also be needed to alleviate straining the area while it is healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be taken to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgery
Surgery may be required to stabilize a torn PCL. Surgery may require reconstruction of the ligament, or reattachment of the ligament with tiny screws. This is usually done only in high performance athletes.
Rehabilitation
Patients usually attend rehabilitation therapy following a PCL injury. Rehabilitation will strengthen muscles around the knee and restore function to the area. Therapy typically includes many exercises for the muscles of the thigh.
Prevention
Most PCL injuries occur during accidents that are difficult to prevent. To reduce your chance of injuring the PCL, take the following steps:
- Always properly stretch your legs before exercise.
- Protect your knees by doing regular strengthening exercises for your thighs.
- Maintain proper technique when exercising or playing sports.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/
Orthogate
http://www.orthogate.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
REFERENCES:
Cross MJ. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries: treatment and rehabilitation. In: Fahey TD.
Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine and Science
. Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine and Science website. Available at:
http://sportsci.org/encyc/aclinj/aclinj.html
.
Accessed June 24, 2007.
Posterior cruciate ligament injury. The Mayo Clinic website. Available at:
http://www.mayocli...
.
Accessed June 24, 2007.
Posterior cruciate ligament injury. The University of Michigan Health System website. Available at:
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/sma/sma_pocrulig_sma.htm
.
Accessed June 24, 2007.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=236
.
Accessed June 24, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Last Updated: 12/21/2009
