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PCL injury Treatment

The four ligaments that stabilize the knee are:

  • The anterior cruciate
  • The posterior cruciate ligament
  • The lateral ligaments
  • Medial collateral ligaments

The PCL has been described as one of the main stabilizers of the knee. It is broader and stronger than the ACL. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Its function is to prevent the posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) FAQ

What Causes Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries?

PCL injury commonly occurs in sports such as football, soccer, basketball, and skiing. A forceful hyperextension of the knee or a direct blow just below the knee cap can disrupt the PCL, causing knee pain and injury.

For example, a football player who is tackled with a direct hit to the knee may hyperextend the limb and sustain a PCL injury. Similarly, a basketball player landing directly on a bent knee could tear their PCL, resulting in knee pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury?

  • Pain
  • A feeling of instability

What Are the Treatment Options for Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury?

Nonsurgical Treatment

If you have injured just your posterior cruciate ligament, your injury may heal quite well without surgery. Your doctor may recommend simple, nonsurgical options.

RICE. The RICE method—rest, ice, gentle compression, and elevation—can help speed recovery.

Immobilization. A brace may be used to prevent your knee from moving, and crutches may be provided to avoid putting weight on the leg.

Physical therapy. After swelling reduces, a rehabilitation program can help restore knee function and strengthen supporting leg muscles, particularly the quadriceps.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be recommended if you have combined injuries, such as knee dislocation with multiple ligament tears, including the PCL.

Rebuilding the ligament. A torn PCL is typically rebuilt using a tissue graft, either from your body or a cadaver. The graft can take months to heal into the bone.

Procedure. Surgery is performed arthroscopically with small incisions, resulting in less pain, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays. Advancements in surgical techniques continue to improve outcomes, enabling patients to resume a broader range of activities after rehabilitation.