What are Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries?
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), one of the four major ligaments of the knee, is situated at the back of the knee. It connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). The PCL limits the backward motion of the shinbone.
PCL injuries are very rare and more difficult to detect than other knee ligament injuries. Cartilage injuries, bone bruises, and ligament injuries often occur in combination with PCL injuries.
Injuries to the PCL can be graded as I, II or III depending on the severity of the injury.
- In grade I, the ligament is mildly damaged and slightly stretched, but the knee joint is stable.
- In grade II, the ligament is partially torn.
- In grade III, the ligament is completely torn and divided into two halves, making the knee joint unstable.
Causes of PCL Injuries
The PCL is usually injured by a direct impact, such as in an automobile accident when the bent knee forcefully strikes the dashboard. In sports, it can occur when an athlete falls to the ground with a bent knee. Twisting injury or overextending the knee can cause the PCL to tear.
Symptoms of PCL Injuries
The symptoms of PCL injuries usually include knee pain and swelling immediately after the injury. There may also be instability in the knee joint, knee stiffness that causes limping, and difficulty in walking.
Diagnosis of PCL Injuries
The diagnosis of a PCL tear is made based on your symptoms, medical history and by performing a physical examination of the knee. Other diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRI scan may be ordered. X-rays are useful to rule out avulsion fractures wherein the PCL tears off a piece of bone along with it. An MRI scan helps to view damage to the soft tissues.
Treatment of PCL Injuries
Treatment options may include non-surgical and surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment consists of rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE protocol); all assist in controlling pain and swelling. Physical therapy may be recommended to improve knee motion and strength. A knee brace may be needed to help immobilize your knee. Crutches may be recommended to protect your knee and avoid bearing weight on your leg.
Generally, surgery is considered for a dislocated knee and several torn ligaments including the PCL. Surgery involves reconstructing the torn ligament using a tissue graft taken from another part of your body or a cadaver (another human donor). Surgery is usually carried out with an arthroscope using small incisions.
Following PCL reconstruction, a rehabilitation program will be started to help you resume a wider range of activities. Usually, a complete recovery may take about 6 to 12 months.
The major advantages of this technique include minimal postoperative pain, short hospital stay, and a fast recovery.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Children
Posterior cruciate ligament injuries most often occur in children who participate in high-speed sports, such as basketball and soccer. These injuries occur more commonly in teenagers than in younger children. Often, in children younger than the age of 12, the bone where the PCL attaches breaks off.
Surgery is not usually necessary to treat PCL injuries, but if an injury displaces the piece of bone with the PCL, your child may require surgery to reattach it.
The outcome of the treatment is dependent on the age factor. Younger children may develop arthritis symptoms later in their life if surgical treatment is not provided. In adults, surgery involves PCL reconstruction, however, in children this surgery is still under controversy because of a risk of developing physeal (growth plate) injury. Growth plate, also called as the epiphyseal plate or physis, is the area of growing tissue made up of cartilage (rubbery material) found at the ends of the long bones in children.