"PCL Injury" All You Need To Know

Before knowing about the disorder, we need to understand the PCL in detail. Accordingly, we understand why the PCL is important and how we can care for ourselves. 

At first, we know

Table of Contents hide
1 “PCL,”
2 PCL Injury
3 How common is the PCL Injury
4 ACL Injury vs. PCL injury
5 The Risk factor of PCL Injury
6 What is the Trabulesome condition for PCL Injury?
7 Common Conditions of PCL Injury
8 How severe PCL Injury could be:
9 How to diagnose PCL Injury
10 When will you need to go to visit the doctor?
11 A comprehensive treatment plan for PCL injury
12 Reference

 “PCL,”

The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, providing stability and preventing excessive motion.

Now we discuss the PCL Injury in detail. 

PCL Injury

A Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury[1] is an injury to one of the ligaments in the knee that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone. The PCL is located in the back of the knee and helps prevent the shin bone from sliding too backward.

How common is the PCL Injury

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries are less common than ACL injuries but can still cause significant knee instability and functional limitations. PCL injuries account for 10-20% of all knee ligament injuries and are more common in men than women. They are more likely in contact sports and sports with a high risk of falls, and they can also occur due to a direct blow to the front of the knee.

ACL Injury vs. PCL injury

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) are both located in the knee and play a crucial role in providing stability to the knee joint. However, there are some key differences between the two types of injuries:

Key DifferentACL InjuryPCL Injury
LocationThe ACL is located in the front of the kneethe PCL is located in the back of the knee
Injury MechanismACL injuries are more commonly caused by twisting, or pivoting motion, such as when a person changes direction suddenly during sportsPCL injuries are more commonly caused by a direct blow to the front of the knee, such as those that can occur in car accidents or other types of accidents or by falling on a flexed knee.
SymptomsAn ACL injury may include severe pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.a PCL injury may include pain and swelling in the knee, difficulty walking, and instability in the knee.
Diagnosisof physical examination and imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.A physical examination and imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.
TreatmentACL injuries are more likely to require surgery than PCL injuries: physical therapy, rehabilitation, and surgery. Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and surgery. 
Recovery timeACL injuries typically require more extended rehabilitation. They may take several months to a year to fully heal.PCL injuries tend to have a shorter recovery time.

The Risk factor of PCL Injury

Several risk factors[2] can increase the likelihood of a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury. Some of these include

  • Participation in sports: Sports that involve contact, such as football and soccer, or sports that involve a high risk of falls, such as skiing and snowboarding, which can increase the risk of PCL injuries.
  • Trauma: Direct blows to the front of the knee, such as those that can occur in car accidents or other types of accidents, can cause PCL injuries.
  • Overuse: Participating in repetitive activities that stress the knee, such as running or jumping, can increase the risk of PCL injury over time.
  • Weakness or muscle imbalances: Weak thigh muscles, especially the quadriceps, or muscle imbalances in the thigh and calf muscles can increase the risk of PCL injury.
  • Previous knee injury: A history of a knee injury, especially to the ACL, can increase the risk of PCL injury.

What is the Trabulesome condition for PCL Injury?

Individuals who are at a higher risk for a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury include:

  • Athletes: Athletes who participate in sports that involve contacts, such as football and soccer, or sports that involve a high risk of falls, such as skiing and snowboarding, are at a higher risk for PCL injuries.
  • Individuals with a history of knee injury: People with a previous injury to the knee, especially the ACL, are at a higher risk for a PCL injury.
  • Individuals with a history of overuse: People who participate in repetitive activities that stress the knee, such as running or jumping, are at a higher risk of PCL injury over time.
  • Individuals with weak thigh muscles or muscle imbalances: People with weak thigh muscles, especially the quadriceps, or muscle imbalances in the thigh and calf muscles are at a higher risk of PCL injury.
  • Individuals with a genetic predisposition: Some people may have naturally looser ligaments which could lead to a greater risk of injury.

Common Conditions of PCL Injury

The signs and symptoms of a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury[3] can include the following:

  • Pain: Pain in the back of the knee, especially when the knee is bent.
  • Swelling: Swelling in the knee, which may occur immediately or a few hours after the injury.
  • Bruising: Bruising in the knee may occur immediately or a few hours after the injury.
  • Stiffness: Stiffness in the knee may make it difficult to straighten the knee.
  • Instability: A feeling of looseness or giving way in the knee, especially when the knee is bent.

How severe PCL Injury could be:

The severity of a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury can vary widely depending on the injury type and the damage to the ligament. PCL injuries are generally classified into three categories:

  1. Grade I: A grade I PCL injury is a mild injury characterized by a stretched or partially torn ligament. Symptoms may include pain and mild knee instability, but there is usually little or no swelling.
  2. Grade II: A grade II PCL injury is a moderate injury characterized by a partially torn ligament. Symptoms may include moderate knee pain, swelling, and instability.
  3. Grade III: A grade III PCL injury is a severe injury characterized by a completely torn ligament. Symptoms may include severe knee pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.

How to diagnose PCL Injury

A Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury diagnosis can typically be made through a physical examination and imaging tests. The diagnostic process may include the following steps:

  1. Physical examination: The doctor will examine the affected knee, checking for signs of swelling, pain, instability, and limited range of motion. The doctor may also perform several specific tests to evaluate the knee’s stability and the PCL’s integrity.
  2. X-ray: An X-ray can be used to evaluate the knee bones and rule out any fractures that may have occurred during the injury.
  3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI can evaluate the knee’s soft tissues, including the PCL and other ligaments and tendons. An MRI can help to confirm the diagnosis of a PCL injury and to determine the extent of the injury.
  4. Computed Tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan can produce detailed images of the bones in the knee and can be useful in identifying small or avulsion fractures.
  5. Arthroscopy: In some cases, the doctor may perform an arthroscopy. This minimally invasive procedure uses a small camera to examine the inside of the knee joint.

When will you need to go to visit the doctor?

You should visit a doctor if you suspect a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury and experience any of the following symptoms:

  1. Pain: Pain in the back of the knee, especially when the knee is bent.
  2. Swelling: Swelling in the knee, which may occur immediately or a few hours after the injury.
  3. Bruising: Bruising in the knee may occur immediately or a few hours after the injury.
  4. Stiffness: Stiffness in the knee may make it difficult to straighten the knee.
  5. Instability: A feeling of looseness or giving way in the knee, especially when the knee is bent.

A comprehensive treatment plan for PCL injury

The treatment plan for a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury can vary depending on the injury’s specific circumstances, including the injury’s type and severity, as well as the patient’s overall health and activity level. A typical treatment plan[4] for a PCL injury may include the following steps:

  1. Rest and immobilization: Resting the affected knee and using crutches to avoid bearing weight on the affected leg can help to reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, the doctor may recommend wearing a knee brace or cast to immobilize the knee and allow the injury to heal.
  2. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve the range of motion, strength, and stability of the knee. Physical therapy may include exercises to improve knee flexibility, strength, stability, balance, and gait training.
  3. Medication: Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help control pain and inflammation.
  4. Surgery: Surgery may be recommended for severe PCL injuries or those not responding to conservative treatment. The surgery may involve reconstructing or repairing the damaged ligament.
  5. Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery after surgery or injury. The rehabilitation program will be designed to regain motion, strength, and function.
  6. Return to activities: The doctor will advise when it’s safe to return to activities and sports; following the instructions is essential to avoid re-injuring the knee or causing further damage.

A Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury is a type of knee injury that occurs to the PCL, a ligament located in the back of the knee. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, limited range of motion, and difficulty walking. Treatment includes rest and immobilization, physical therapy, medication, surgery, and rehabilitation. Following the doctor’s instructions is important for proper recovery.

Reference

1. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/posterior-cruciate-ligament-pcl-injuries-a-to-z

2. Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Posterior_Cruciate_Ligament_Injury

3. Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/posterior-cruciate-ligament-injury

4. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury

https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/knee-pain/posterior-cruciate-ligament-pcl-injury

Dr. M Shahadat Hossain
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Physiotherapist, Pain, Paralysis & Manipulative Therapy Specialist, Assistant Professor Dhaka College of Physiotherapy, Secretary-General(BPA), Secretary(CARD), Chief Consultant(ASPC), Conceptual Inventor(SDM), Faculty Member(CRP), Member-Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council

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