The posterior cruciate ligament helps stabilize the knee by preventing the shin bone from moving too far backward beneath the thigh bone. Although PCL injuries are less common than ACL tears, they can cause pain, stiffness, weakness, and instability that interfere with walking, work, and physical activity.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Cohen provides individualized PCL injury treatment in Columbus, OH. He evaluates the severity of the tear, the stability of the knee, and any associated injuries before recommending rehabilitation or surgery.
What Are the Knee Ligaments?
Four primary ligaments help stabilize the knee: the medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
The collateral ligaments are located along the sides of the knee and help control excessive side-to-side movement. The MCL connects the femur to the tibia on the inner side of the knee, while the LCL connects the femur to the fibula on the outer side.
The ACL and PCL are located inside the knee and help control forward-and-backward movement. The PCL is positioned behind the ACL and prevents the tibia from moving too far backward in relation to the femur. PCL injuries are less common than ACL injuries.
Diagnosing a Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Diagnosis begins with a discussion of how the injury occurred, when the symptoms started, and whether the knee feels unstable. Dr. Cohen or one of his sports medicine colleagues will examine the knee for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, strength, and abnormal backward movement of the tibia.
X-rays may be ordered to check for fractures or injuries in which the ligament pulls away a small piece of bone. An MRI can provide more detail about the PCL and help identify damage to the meniscus, cartilage, or other knee ligaments.
PCL Injury Causes and Risk Factors
A PCL injury usually occurs when a strong force pushes the tibia backward while the knee is bent. Common causes include:
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Striking the shin against a dashboard during a vehicle collision
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Receiving a direct blow to the front of the knee
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Falling directly onto a bent knee
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Landing forcefully with the knee flexed
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Hyperextending or severely twisting the knee
PCL injuries may occur during sports such as football, soccer, basketball, and skiing. The risk is also higher during activities involving contact, falls, or forceful knee movement.
A PCL tear may occur alone, but it can also happen with damage to the ACL, collateral ligaments, meniscus, or cartilage.
PCL Injury Symptoms
Symptoms of a PCL injury may include:
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Pain and swelling
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Pain toward the back of the knee
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Knee stiffness
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Reduced range of motion
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Difficulty walking or bearing weight
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Trouble descending stairs
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A feeling that the knee may shift, buckle, or give way
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Difficulty changing direction confidently
Some PCL injuries cause relatively mild symptoms at first. Persistent pain, swelling, or instability after a knee injury should be evaluated even if walking remains possible.
PCL Treatment Options
Many isolated PCL injuries can be treated without surgery, particularly when the tear is partial and the knee remains reasonably stable.
Nonsurgical treatment may include:
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Temporary activity modification
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Ice, compression, and elevation
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Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication
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Crutches when needed
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A brace designed to support the PCL
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Physical therapy
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Progressive strengthening and range-of-motion exercises
Rehabilitation commonly focuses on restoring motion and strengthening the quadriceps while protecting the healing ligament. Dr. Cohen recommends treatment based on the severity of the injury, knee stability, associated damage, and the patient’s activity goals.
PCL Surgery and Rehabilitation
Surgery may be considered when a PCL injury causes continued instability, involves multiple knee ligaments, includes a displaced bone injury, or does not improve with appropriate nonsurgical treatment.
Depending on the location and severity of the injury, surgery may involve either ligament repair or ligament reconstruction. PCL repair preserves the existing ligament and reattaches it to the bone when the tissue is healthy enough and the tear pattern is suitable for repair. PCL reconstruction replaces the damaged ligament with a tissue graft. The graft may come from the patient’s own tissue, known as an autograft, or from screened donor tissue, known as an allograft.
These procedures are generally performed with arthroscopic assistance and additional small incisions as needed. Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery after surgery. Physical therapy gradually restores motion, strength, balance, and knee control while protecting the repaired ligament or graft as it heals. Return to running, sports, and demanding work activities is based on healing and functional progress rather than time alone.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
PCL Injury Care in Columbus, OH
A PCL injury can affect knee stability during walking, work, exercise, and sports. Dr. Cohen evaluates the severity of the tear and any associated knee damage before recommending bracing, physical therapy, or reconstruction. The goal is to restore stability and function while avoiding unnecessary surgery when nonsurgical care is appropriate. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call ((614) 788-0375.
