Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Injury of the posterior cruciate ligament:

This ligament is less likely to be injured than the anterior cruciate ligament. The PCL is both thicker and stronger. Direct imapct to the front of the tibia when the knee is bent is the most common way in which the PCL is injured. This may occur in a front-on tackle or collision or when falling with the knee bent. The injury is commonly associated with injuries to other structures in the rear compartment of the knee joint such as lateral meniscus tears. In addition the articular cartilage may also be damaged.

This injury (PCL tears) is graded I- III with III being the worst. These gradings are classified depending on the amount of backward tibial displacement observed when the knee is bent at 90 degrees. In extreme cases the ligament may become avulsed, or pulled off the bone completely.

Symptoms of a posterior cruciate ligament injury:

• Obviously pain at the time of impact this may subsequently be felt in the calf region.
• There may be swelling but this may be minimal.
• Positive sign on the 'Posterior draw test'.
• Pain and laxity when a 'reverse Lachman's test' is performed.
• The joint may lose stability and may feel as though it is 'giving way'.

Useful Products:

• Cold Therapy - apply cold therapy to the site of injury as soon as possible to help ease pain and inflammation.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury