PCL Tear Treatments

PCL Tear Treatments

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is one of the four ligaments that contribute to maintaining the joint's stability. The anterior ligament of the cruciate (ACL) sits just to the left to the PCL.

The ACL is more well-known because ACL tears are more frequently diagnosed than injuries to PCL. It is believed that PCL injuries are responsible for up to 20 per cent of knee ligament injuries; however, the PCL is rarely discussed because these injuries are typically not diagnosed.

The PCL ligament keeps the tibia (shin bone) from sliding backwards too much. Together with the ACL, which prevents the tibia's bones from sliding too further forwards. The PCL assists to keep the tibia an upright position above that of the femur (thigh bone).

PCL Tears

The most frequent mechanism for injuries to the PCL is what is known as a "dashboard injury. " 1 It occurs after the knee bends and an object strikes the shin forward. This is referred to as a "dashboard injury' as it is visible in car crashes where the shin strikes the dashboard. Another common cause of injuries occurs when a person falls on their front knee. The knee is hyper flexed (bent to the back) with the foot pointed downwards when this happens. These kinds of injuries strain the PCL. If the force is too high, the risk of tearing the PCL could affect the outcome.

PCL injuries are often experienced with severe trauma that may cause injuries to various knee joints. PCL injuries can be associated with knee ligament injuries, such as tears of the ACL, MCL tears, and LCL tears. 2 PCL injuries can also be associated with complicated ligament injuries like posterolateral rotational instability. Additionally, PCL injuries can be linked to meniscus tears and cartilage injury. These more severe forms of injury can often be seen in conjunction with a joint dislocation.

Symptoms of PCL Tears

The most frequent symptoms of the PCL tear are very similar to those associated with the ACL tear. The knee pain, swelling, pain and reduced movement are typical of each injury. 1 Patient may feel the knee "popped" or gave out. Knee instability issues in the months and weeks after a PCL injury aren't as common as instability after an ACL tear. When people experience instability after a PCL injury, they will usually say that they cannot "trust" their knee or feel like it's about to let go. If the issue of instability occurs following a PCL accident, this could be a sign to undergo surgery.

The most important factor in diagnosing the PCL tear is knowing how the injury occurred. Knowing the details that led to the accident (for instance, the location of the leg and the procedure that took place) can aid in determining the cause. Certain manoeuvres can be used to check the functionality of the PCL. The most reliable test is the test of the testing of the posterior drawer. 2

When you bend your knee, your doctor will push the tibia inwards, which strains the PCL. If your PCL has become weak or damaged, the tibia may slide backwards too much and could cause an accident to the PCL.

X-rays and MRIs can also be beneficial in clarifying the diagnosis and identifying other knee structures that could be affected. When the PCL tear is discovered, it is normal to discover additional ligament injuries or cartilage injuries.

The general approach to grading the injury is determined by the following:

• Grade I Partially tears in the PCL. In the case of tears to PCL, they are classed based on the degree of the injury, grades I to III. 2 The grade is determined by the degree of laxity measured by your exam. 

• Grade II Grade II: Complete damage to PCL.

• Grade III PCL tear and other ligament injuries.

Treatment of a PCL Tear

Treatment for PCL tears is not without controversy, as is the treatment for an ACL tear. There is no consensus on the best treatment option for every patient. 1 Initial treatment for swelling and pain involves crutches or ice elevation. After these symptoms have subsided, physical therapy is helpful to increase knee strength and motion. The non-operative treatment is recommended for most grades I and II PCL tears.

The surgical reconstruction of PCL is controversial and generally recommended only for those suffering from grade III PCL tears. Because of the technical complexity of the procedure and the risk of infection, some orthopedists don't believe in the benefits of PCL surgery. Some, however, believe that PCL reconstruction could lead to greater knee stability and decrease chances of having issues later on.

The difficulty of repairing the PCL surgically is due to the location of the PCL inside the knee. The process of placing an entirely new PCL graft at this point is not easy, and with time, these grafts are well-known for stretching and becoming less effective. In general, surgery for PCL reconstruction is only for those who have suffered injuries to various major knee ligaments or are unable to carry out their normal activities due to knee instability that persists.more information visit-sarwarpro.com