The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) is a rope-like band of connective tissue that stabilizes the shin bone (tibia) and thigh bone (femur) by preventing the shin bone from sliding too far backward relative to the thigh bone.
It also stabilizes the knee against excessive rotation when it is bent, helping to maintain proper knee alignment during activities that involve pivoting and twisting.
A PCL tear happens when the posterior cruciate ligament is stretched or torn wholly or partially. A sharp and severe pain in the back of the knee is often the first sign of a complete PCL tear.
A mild or partial PCL tear may feel different. Initially, the patient may manage to walk with a limp, and gradually, the pain settles in. Stairs become difficult, the knee starts to buckle, and it feels like giving out, limiting regular activities. Individuals also notice bruises around the injured area and a decreased range of motion. Ignoring these signs can worsen the symptoms, leading to long-term instability and potentially causing other knee issues.
What Causes PCL Tears?
A PCL tear can happen suddenly due to a direct blow to the front of the bent knee, a sudden forceful hyperextension of the knee, like landing from an awkward jump, or a forceful straightening when flexed. High-impact activities can also cause PCL tears along with other ligament injuries. Most PCL tears occur due to sports, trauma, or accidents. In some cases, degeneration of the knee joint and muscular imbalances may also result in PCL tears. Just like ACL tears, athletes suffer a higher risk of PCL tears, too, but given the causes, it can happen to anyone.
Whatever the cause, a PCL tear is a severe and debilitating injury that must be treated promptly with expert intervention.
Treatment for PCL Tear: Surgical and Non-surgical Approaches
For mild to moderate PCL tears, RICE (Rest, Immobilization, Compression, and Therapy) may help strengthen muscles, improve stability, and restore range of motion. These non-surgical approaches aim to help the body’s natural healing process take over and repair the mildly torn or damaged tissue.
However, for severe PCL tears where the ligament is severely torn away, the injury requires advanced surgical intervention. Surgery is also the go-to procedure when the patient suffers multiple ligament injuries or when other non-surgical options fail to stabilize the knee and provide adequate relief.
In cases of severe PCL tears or when conservative measures fail to alleviate symptoms, surgical intervention may be recommended. PCL reconstruction surgery aims to repair or replace the torn ligament using grafts from the patient’s own tissue or donor tissue. Post-operative rehabilitation is essential to restore knee function and minimize the risk of complications.
PCL Treatment at Moonot Healthcare Foundation:
Due to the advanced and sophisticated nature of PCL surgery, it can be financially challenging for many people. The cost of diagnostic imaging, surgical process, and rehab services present barriers to receiving a practical and comprehensive treatment, which worsens the symptoms and prolongs recovery.
