Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is located in the back of the knee and is one of a few ligaments that connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). The PCL keeps the tibia from moving backwards too far. A severe force to a bent knee can tear this ligament. PCL injuries are often accompanied by injuries to other structures in the knee as well, such as cartilage, other ligaments, and bone.

injuries to the PCL are not as common as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, but they are still painful and serious. If you feel you have a PCL injury, come to YourOrthoSolution. We specialize in PCL injuries and will develop a customized plan that will get you back to the things you love as quickly as possible.

Injured ligaments are considered “sprains”, which are rated on a severity scale from Grade 1 to Grade 3:

• Grade 1 sprain – the ligament is mildly damaged and slightly stretched but still keeps the knee joint stable.
• Grade 2 sprain – the ligament is stretched to the point where it becomes loose and becomes a partial tear.
• Grade 3 sprain – the ligament is completely torn into two pieces, and the knee joint is unstable.

Here at YourOrthoSolution, we have some of the top orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians in the country. We are dedicated to getting you back to the things you love through a customized plan that fits only you. Our caring team always goes that extra step to make you feel like part of our family. We specialize in treating PCL injuries and want to help you start the healing process as quickly as possible to get you on the path to recovery.

Cause

There are several ways in which the PCL can be injured. These include:

• A direct blow to the front of the knee – such as when falling onto a bent knee or hitting the dashboard of a car while your knee is bent (during a car accident).
• Pulling or stretching the ligament – this can occur with suddenly twisting or hyperextending your knee.
• Simple misstep – this is less common, as usually a powerful force is required to injure the PCL.

Symptoms

Immediately after a PCL injury, several symptoms will typically occur:

• Knee pain
• Knee swelling
• Decreased range of motion (stiffness) of the knee
• Difficulty walking
• Feeling that the knee is unstable, as if it may “give out”

Treatment

Treatments for a PCL tear are evaluated in relation to your individual needs. At YourOrthoSolution, a customized plan based on your activity level will be designed to get you back to the things you love most. Make an appointment with us today to talk to our orthopedic experts about the best plan for you.

Nonsurgical

Nonsurgical options can be tried first. They typically include rest, ice, gentle compression, and elevation. A brace can be used to keep the knee stable, as well as crutches to reduce weight on the knee. Physical therapy is started once the swelling goes down to help strengthen the muscles around your knee and restore mobility. Strong muscles will help support and stabilize the knee.

Surgical

Surgery may be required if you do not respond to nonsurgical treatments or if other injuries to the knee are present as well.

Generally, the PCL cannot simply be stitched back together. It is replaced by a tissue graft, in an operation called PCL reconstruction or PCL repair. The graft acts as a scaffolding upon which a new PCL will grow. The tissue graft is taken from another part of your body (this is referred to as an autograft) or from a cadaver (known as an allograft).

After surgery, it will take time for the PCL to regrow and become a functioning part of your knee. It typically takes at least six months before you can return to any type of sports or strenuous activities like running.

ACL repair is generally performed via arthroscopy. This minimally invasive procedure can easily be done on an outpatient basis in a surgery center setting. There are many advantages to surgery centers, including better outcomes, lower infection rates, no overnight stay, lower costs, and the convenience that comes with a smaller, yet highly skilled, staff.

During the surgery, a small camera (an arthroscope) is inserted into the knee joint through a very small incision. The camera displays images on a high-definition screen, allowing your surgeon to have a detailed view of the joint while he or she uses miniature surgical instruments to perform the PCL repair. This type of surgical technique produces minimal damage to the surrounding areas and muscles, which leads to less pain and a quicker recovery compared to open knee surgery.

As with all our procedures here at YourOrthoSolution, the goal is to get you back to full strength and doing the activities you want to do. Our highly trained specialists will take into account several factors and create a customized treatment plan designed specially for you and your needs.

At YourOrthoSolution, all of our doctors and staff are committed to ensuring that you not only receive the best orthopedic care in the area but also have an exceptional experience each time you visit our locations. Our dedicated staff will handle all insurance processes for you. You can expect to be in a friendly atmosphere and receive top orthopedic treatment to help you return to full mobility as quickly as possible.