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