Posterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) originates on the lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle, and inserts on the posterior border of the superior aspect of the tibia, on the surface.
                             

• A PCL sprain occurs when the posterior cruciate ligament on the inside of the knee is strained (torn) or sprained. The ligament is a strong and elastic tissue whose function is to maintain contact between the surface of one bone and the surface of another bone. The PCL maintains contact of the tibia with the femur. The tibia is the longest of the 2 bones found in the lower leg. The femur is the bone located on the inner thigh.

• The PCL is one of the most important ligaments in the knee. This ligament prevents the tibia from moving too far forward and flexing too much in the wrong direction. Inside the knee are also the menisci which separate the tibia from the femur. The menisci act as shock absorbers and also serve to prevent excessive displacement of the knee. When the PCL is injured, one or more menisci are often injured as well. Other knee ligaments can also be injured at the same time that the PCL is injured.

Causes:
An injury to the PCL occurs when you fall on the knee bent at a 90 degree angle and at the same time, the weight of the body is on that leg. Or, the PCL may be injured if you receive a blow to the front of the knee when the knee is bent. The knee can also be injured if it is forcibly twisted when you stand on that foot. Sports such as soccer, football, basketball, skiing, and gymnastics are the most common causes of PCL injuries.

Signs and symptoms:
When you suffer a PCL injury, you may hear a “pop” in the back of your knee. You may also have tenderness and swelling in the back of your knee.

Care:

• Exams:

You may need one or more of the following tests to help your doctors plan your treatment.

• Physical check:

 
 Caregivers will ask about how your knee was injured. Next, caregivers will check your knee by moving it up and down and back and forth.

• X-rays:

 
X-rays are x-ray pictures of your bones and other tissues. These images do not show an injury to your PCL. But yes, they can show other problems like fractures (broken bones). They can also show other diseases, such as arthritis, that can be the cause of your symptoms.

                                 
          MRI:
 

• This test is also known as an MRI. During this exam, three-dimensional pictures are taken of your knee. An MRI can show if your PCL is torn, but it does not show the severity of the injury.

• Treatment:

 
It may take 3 to 6 weeks for the pain and swelling to go away and for your knee to regain full motion. To choose the most convenient treatment for you, talk to your doctor.

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  • When your knee has been injured for the first time, doctors will work to relieve pain and decrease inflammation.

• The most important part of treating your PCL injury is resting your knee while you heal. Keeping the knee at rest as much as possible decreases the swelling, and prevents the pain from getting worse. When the pain has subsided, slowly begin your normal movements.

• Ice constricts (narrows or narrows) blood vessels, which helps decrease inflammation (swelling, redness, and pain). Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap the bag in a towel. Then, place it on the knee and leave it for 15-20 minutes in every hour and as many times as you consider necessary. Do not sleep on the bag because you can get serious burns.

• Caregivers may wrap your leg in tape or an elastic bandage to prevent swelling. You may be told to keep your leg elevated by placing it on a bench or on pillows, which also reduces swelling.

• You can take ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve your pain. These medicines are easy to find because they are available over the counter (without a prescription). If you have an allergy to aspirin, do not take ibuprofen.

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  • Your doctor may order you to undergo physical therapy. A physical therapist will give you treatments and exercises to help your PCL improve more quickly.

                            
Doctors can use ultrasound to increase blood flow to the affected area. This helps your PCL improve faster.
Doctors may use massage to stretch the tissue and warm the injury, which increases blood circulation. This helps your knee heal faster and better.
When cleared by your doctor, you can gradually increase the amount of weight you put on your affected leg. They will tell you that as the use of your knee increases, you should be sure that you will not feel any pain.

• You may need a removable splint or custom brace. Any of these implements prevents the knee from shifting, in such a way that it allows you to play some sports. However, this brace does not allow you to play sports such as soccer or football.

• Your physical therapist can teach you specific exercises to strengthen your knee, thigh, and ankle muscles. Begin exercising when your doctor says it is okay. They will tell you that as the use of your knee increases, you should be sure that you will not feel any pain. Before you start exercising, always do stretching exercises. These exercises are used to loosen your muscles and reduce stress on your knee. Rest in between your exercise programs. After doing your regular exercises, do cool down exercises.

• Even undergoing other treatments, you may need surgery to repair your injured PCL.