What is Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury?
The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) is considered to be the strongest ligament in the knee and prevents the tibia from moving too much and slipping behind the femur and can become injured due to trauma or overuse.
Causes
THE PCL can become injured due to a direct application of force to the front of the knee especially if it is in a bent position, such as hitting a dashboard in a car accident or falling hard on a bent knee. This ligament is also subject to being pulled or stretched in a twisting injury which may happen when an individual lands awkwardly after jumping.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Posterior Cruciate Ligament injury include:
- Knee joint instability
- Knee joint pain
- Knee swelling and tenderness in the space behind the knee (Popliteal Fossa)
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the PCL injury, treatment can include:
- Braces to support the knee
- Crutches to reduce the weight on the knee
- Physiotherapy to strengthen the supporting muscles and increase the range of motion
- Rest, elevation, and ice therapy to the knee
- Surgery for ligament repair.
