Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer. While a tear of the ACL is a common source of discussion prevelant in the sports world, a PCL tear (posterior cruciate ligament) can prove to be just as devastating.
What is a PCL Tear?
The PCL is the posterior cruciate ligament that helps to keep the knee stable while it moves. The PCL prevents the top half of the leg (the femur) from sliding backwards too far over the bottom of the leg, comprised of the tibia and fibula. If the leg slides backwards too far, it can cause a tear in the PCL.
Mechanism of the Tear
A PCL tear is a major traumatic injury to the back of the knee. The majority of PCL tears occur while playing sports, such as soccer, lacrosse, and football. Additionally, bicycle accidents and slip and fall injuries frequently result in PCL tears.
Treatment of a Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
If someone suffers a PCL tear, they will nearly always need surgery to repair the torn ligament. This will take place once the swelling in the knee has gone down. The surgeon will typically use a sliver of the hamstring to fashion a new ligament to replace the torn one. Patients will require a significant amount of rehab, typically lasting about a year.
Complications May Occur
Among the comorbidities which can develop from a PCL tear, the most significant change in their prognosis is the risk of re-injury. There is no way that a new ligament will be as strong as the old one, so the risk of tearing the new PCL is slightly higher.
Other Structures are Vulnerable
The other ligaments of the knee are also at risk, which include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the two ligaments of the knee that are collateral (MCL and LCL). The meniscus is also at risk of injury with any tear of a cruciate or collateral ligament.
Differential Diagnosis
There are multiple other diagnoses that must be kept in mind if a patient suffers a PCL tear. These include:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
- Medial Collateral Ligament Tear
- Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear
- Meniscus Tear (Medial)
- Meniscus Tear (Lateral)
- Dashboard Knee
- Patella Fracture
- Tibia Fracture
Prognosis of the Injury
Those who tear their PCL often make a full recovery and can even return to sports. The recovery process requires a significant amount of physical therapy which typically lasts around 12 months.
Surgery is Necessary
The physician will order imaging that reveals the PCL tear. Once this happens, the injured person will be scheduled for surgery to repair the torn ligament. Every PCL tear needs surgery for a full repair, which typically happens when the swelling reduces.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer, Ed Smith.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer. If you’ve been injured in an accident, call me for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 for (800) 404-5400.
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