Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries (PCL)

Pathophysiology

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) tears are less common than ACL injuries due to the greater strength of the PCL, nearly twice the thickness. PCL injuries are often due to a blow to the shin whilst the knee is bent e.g. striking the knee against the dashboard during a car accident or falling whilst the knee is bent during sport.

Symptoms

• Minimal pain or swelling

• Vague feeling of instability

Management

• Activity modification

• Ice or heatPain relief

• Physiotherapy including range of movement exercises and a graded strengthening programme

• Orthopaedic options- If traumatic and active/sporting lifestyle may consider repair, otherwise 3-6 months conservative management

Investigations

• For multi-ligament tears MRI with if considering surgery

• In sporting/active individuals with singular ligament tears MRI, otherwise conservative treatment 3-6 months