Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) – Internal Knee Ligamentous Injury in the Back of the Knee
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is one of the four main ligaments in the knee and is the primary stabilizer for posterior directed movements. The most common mechanism that can result in a PCL injury is falling onto a bent knee or motor vehicle accident where the knee would strike a dashboard and is forced backward. Injury to the PCL results in a knee that is unstable with posterior directed forces, such as descending stairs or an incline. The diagnosis of a PCL injury can be made by physical examination by a physician and confirmed with an MRI. The goal of treatment is to prevent the knee from going out of place or buckling. When the knee buckles damage occurs slowly by chewing away pieces of the cartilage, which can lead to early arthritis. If you can keep your knee from going out again by giving up cutting sports and wearing a brace, then you have accomplished the goal of treatment.
- Consult a physician if you think you injured your PCL
- Stretch before, during, and after an activity, for muscle and tendon flexibility
- Vigorous leg strengthening program and cross-training to build endurance and prevent injuries due to fatigue
- PCL Braces