Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

Autor: RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI
Consultation SZYMON RUBCZAK
Date added 16.12.2024
Date of last revision 16.12.2024

Table of contents:

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), together with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), helps maintain stability in the knee by connecting the femur to the tibia. Injuries to this structure are relatively rare. However, if left untreated, they may lead to pain and significant discomfort.

Table of contents:

Causes of Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury

Injury to the PCL usually results from a significant force applied to the tibia from the front. The highest risk of such injury occurs when the leg is struck from the front, below the knee.

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

  • Pain,
  • Moderate swelling,
  • Stiffness,
  • Instability.

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury?

  • Avoid putting weight on the injured leg.
  • Rest and minimize movement.
  • Apply cold packs to the joint.
  • Use compression bandages (elastic).
  • Elevate the limb above heart level.
  • Consult a doctor.

How Is a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury Diagnosed?

A PCL injury is diagnosed based on patient history, clinical assessment of the knee, and a series of physical tests. Imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be helpful.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament - Treatment

PCL injuries are rare. The treatment method depends on the extent of the damage as determined by an orthopedic specialist. Minor injuries can often be treated conservatively through rehabilitation. Physicians frequently recommend wearing a specialized knee brace to stabilize the joint. Physical therapy is the most common treatment method for PCL injuries. Proper exercises can strengthen the leg and improve overall body stability.

Reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is recommended for physically active individuals, such as athletes, whose ligament injury leads to knee instability. Surgery is also advisable when other structures within the knee are damaged. The procedure is performed arthroscopically and requires significant expertise from the operating physician.

Related Articles:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
Learn about other potential causes of knee pain in various areas of the joint.

Bibliography:

Autor
RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI
RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI

Specjalista do spraw content marketingu, dziennikarz sportowy i medyczny. Redaktor naczelny magazynu „Poradnik Zdrowie i Sport”, członek Dziennikarskiego Klubu Promocji Zdrowia, współtwórca wielu artykułów medycznych z zakresu ortopedii i urazowości w sporcie.

Czytaj więcej
Konsultacja merytoryczna
SZYMON RUBCZAK
SZYMON RUBCZAK

Lekarz w klinice Rehasport, specjalista Ortopedii i Traumatologii Narządu Ruchu, zajmujący się leczeniem urazów kończyny dolnej, a także ortopedią dziecięcą i leczeniem deformacji kręgosłupa. Swoje szczególne zainteresowania skierował na leczenie artroskopowe oraz medycynę sportową.

Czytaj więcej