Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
What is it? A partial or complete tear of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
How does it present? The patient will often have swelling and pain. They may have a sense of instability as well. The mechanism of injury is often a direct force to the front of the tibia, less commonly a varus or valgus force in full extension.
Common exam findings: An effusion is often present in acute injuries. The Posterior (PCL) Sag Sign and Posterior Drawer Sign Test may be positive.
Tests and treatment: Knee x-rays may show an avulsion fracture at the site of the tibial attachment. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is needed to visualize the integrity of the PCL. Treatment is often conservative with bracing and functional rehabilitation. In some cases of more severe instability, surgical reconstruction may be necessary.