What is a PCL Tear?
The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) is the strongest ligament in the knee, preventing the tibia from sliding backward. PCL tears are less common than ACL tears, often occurring from dashboard injuries in car accidents or a direct blow to the front of the bent knee. Dr Shahrukh Khan at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi provides expert PCL assessment and treatment.
Grading
- Grade I: Partial tear, knee stable
- Grade II: Partial tear, some instability
- Grade III: Complete tear, significant instability
Symptoms
- Posterior knee pain and swelling
- Feeling of knee instability or “giving way” going downstairs
- Posterior sag sign on clinical examination
- Difficulty with sudden directional changes
Diagnosis
Clinical examination (posterior drawer test, sag sign), MRI to confirm and grade the tear, assessment for associated ligament injuries.
Treatment
Conservative Treatment (Grade I and II)
- RICE protocol acutely
- Hinged knee brace
- Physiotherapy focusing on quadriceps strengthening
- Most Grade I/II PCL tears recover well without surgery
Surgical Treatment (Grade III and combined injuries)
Arthroscopic PCL reconstruction using hamstring or patellar tendon graft. Combined ligament injuries (PCL with ACL or posterolateral corner) require careful surgical planning.
Recovery
- Conservative: 4–8 weeks for basic activities
- Surgical: 9–12 months for full sports return
Expert PCL injury treatment at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
