The posterior cruciate ligament is present at the back of our knees. Just like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), PCL also helps keep the femur and the tibia (shinbone) together. This also ensures trouble-free working of the knee. The PCL is larger and stronger than ACL but is prone to injuries. In this article, we will have a detailed look at the causes and treatment of PCL injuries.
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What Are PCL Injuries?
PCL injuries are characterized by a torn or sprained posterior cruciate ligament. This could occur because of traumatic or non-traumatic causes. An injury to PCL is painful and may also be accompanied by other symptoms.
Depending on the severity of the cause, an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament may be accompanied by injuries to other ligaments and/or cartilage in the knee. Based on that, the orthopedic surgeon decides the feasible treatment for the condition.
What Causes PCL Injuries?
Well, the PCL may get injured because of traumatic as well as non-traumatic causes. However, the commonest cause of the condition is a direct blow to the knee when it is bent. Besides this, there are several other causes that may result in an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament:
An event that quickly forces the knee backwardA blow to the shinbone with a hard objectSudden twisting or overextension of the knee Contact sports injuries
How are PCL Injuries Classified?
Based on the severity of the damage, PCL injuries can be classified into 4 grades:
Grade I – These are mild injuries in which the ligament is torn partially
Grade II – Grade II is also characterized by a partial tear in the posterior cruciate ligament but is looser than grade I.
Grade III – Here, the knee is unstable because of a complete ligament tear.
Grade IV – These are severe injuries in which there is damage to PCL along with other ligaments and cartilage in the knee.
What Are the Symptoms Associated with PCL Injuries?
Injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament are painful. Here are some of the common signs & symptoms that people experience after an injury to PCL:
Popping sensation in the kneeSwelling in the kneeKnee pain Wobbling sensation in the kneeDifficulty in walking or bearing weight on the kneeA tear in the PCL may result in osteoarthritis
How PCL Injuries Are Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of the condition requires both physical examination as well imaging tests. During the physical examination, the healthcare service provider will look for signs like swelling, knee pain, and a reduced range of motion. During the physical examination, the orthopedic specialist will also ask about any history of injuries to get an idea of the severity of the condition. After the physical examination, the healthcare service provider will order a few imaging tests to confirm the injury and its severity:
X-rayMRI
The severity of the injury to the posterior cruciate ligament decides the type of treatment required. If the injury is mild, home treatment is enough. This may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Besides this, the orthopedic specialist will also prescribe medications to improve pain and inflammation. Now, if the injury is of grade III or IV, surgery may be required.
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