Question 1

how is a posterior cruciate ligament injury typically treated?

Accepted Answer

Depends on laxity: If you have an acute (recent) PCL tear that does not cause much laxity, you will probably be treated with physical therapy that stresses aggressive rehabilitation of the quadriceps muscles, which are in the front of the thigh. Acute PCL tear that causes significant laxity or if you have injured more than one ligament, you may need surgery to repair or reconstruct your pcl.

Question 2

how is a posterior cruciate ligament injury typically diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Examination: Most good sports medicine professionals will be able to tell you whether or not your PCL is torn based on your history and the physical examination they perform.  If there is a question, then an MRI can be ordered to confirm the physicians suspicions.

Question 3

what are the common causes of anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injuries?

Accepted Answer

Trauma or fall: Injuries to the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments most commonly occur because of a traumatic injury (football tackle, soccer collision, etc) or a traumatic fall (skiing or snowboarding fall).  Another cause could be from an auto accident (where the knees strike the lower dashboard area.  Certainly there  are other mechanisms for these injuries as well.

Question 4

how can you prevent posterior cruciate ligament (pcl) injury ?

Accepted Answer

You can't :-(: Tears of the PCL will occur if a significant amount of energy is placed across the knee and in the right direction.  Like if your knee hits the dashboard in car accident.  That will push your shin backwards and potentially tear your pcl.  Pcl tears can not be prevented.

Question 5

what could cause posterior cruciate ligament (pcl) injury ?

Accepted Answer

Force!: The PCL is probably the strongest ligament in the knee.  It requires a significant amount of force or energy to cause it to tear.   Pcl tears are far less common than anterior cruciate ligament (acl) tears.

Question 6

what are the common symptoms of posterior cruciate ligament (pcl) injuries ?

Accepted Answer

Varies, usually none: Symptoms of a PCL rupture can vary.  It may be associated with pain, swelling and a feeling of unsteadiness, but more often than not they may have no noticeable symptoms.  Some report a feeling of unsteadyness or insecurity, others pain around the knee cap.  Some report pain when running, especially slowing down/stopping, going up/down stairs or ramps, or squatting/kneeling.

Question 7

how serious is a posterior cruciate ligament tear?

Accepted Answer

It serious: While a posterior cruciate ligament injury generally causes less pain, disability and knee instability than does an acl tear, it can still sideline you for several weeks or months.

Question 8

could a posterior cruciate ligament (pcl) heal itself over time?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: Pcl injuries, if complete, have zero healing potential.  In partial injuries (sprains) depending on your age and other factors healing is possible.

Question 9

what is the recovery time for a posterior cruciate ligament (pcl) sprain?

Accepted Answer

Mild sprain?: Typically the healing for a mild to moderate sprain would be 6-8 weeks
a grade 3 or complete tear might require  surgical correction.

Question 10

how much time does it take to recover from a posterior cruciate ligament (pcl) sprain?

Accepted Answer

Months: Depending on how severe the PCL strain is, it may take several months for complete healing.

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How is a posterior cruciate ligament injury typically treated

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How is a posterior cruciate ligament injury typically treated?

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How serious is a posterior cruciate ligament tear?

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Could a posterior cruciate ligament (pcl) heal itself over time?

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