Pronounced: pos-tea-ree-or kru-shee-ate lig-a-ment
The posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL, is a piece of connective tissue located within the knee near the back. The PCL connects the thighbone to the shinbone, and keeps the shinbone from moving too far backward.
When a strong force (such as during a sports activity or other high-stress activity) is applied to the PCL, the ligament can become strained or torn.
While an injury to the PCL requires extensive treatment and rehabilitation, the injury is treatable and rarely causes long-term serious complications. Complete recovery usually takes six months.
Injury to the PCL can be caused by a variety of events, including:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of injuring the PCL:
Symptoms include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of PCL injury, but typical treatment options include:
This treatment is recommended for only minor tears. Crutches may also be needed to alleviate straining the area while it is healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be taken to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgery may be required to stabilize a torn PCL. Surgery may require reconstruction of the ligament, or reattachment of the ligament with tiny screws.
Patients usually attend rehabilitation therapy following a PCL injury. Rehabilitation will strengthen the ligament and restore function to the area. Therapy typically includes many exercises for the muscles of the thigh.
Most PCL injuries occur during accidents that are difficult to prevent. To reduce your chance of injuring the PCL, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/
Orthogate
http://www.orthogate.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
References:
Cross MJ. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries: treatment and rehabilitation. In: Fahey TD. Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine and Science . Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine and Science website. Available at: http://sportsci.org/encyc/aclinj/aclinj.html . Accessed June 24, 2007.
Posterior cruciate ligament injury. The Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/posterior-cruciate-ligament/DS00928/DSECTION=8 . Accessed June 24, 2007.
Posterior cruciate ligament injury. The University of Michigan Health System website. Available at: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/sma/sma_pocrulig_sma.htm . Accessed June 24, 2007.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=236 . Accessed June 24, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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