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Treatment for a PCL Knee Injury

A posterior cruciate ligament injury can be painful and debilitating. This type of injury may be treated surgically or nonsurgically.

  1. Identification

    • The PCL is responsible for stabilizing the knee joint, as well as to prevent posterior movement of the tibia on the femur. An injury to the PCL is less common than an injury to the ACL and may be difficult to treat effectively.

    Causes

    • Some causes of PCL injuries may include football injuries, running injuries, falls and car accidents. The types of injuries that can occur to the PCL range from a strain to a full PCL tear.

    Physical Therapy

    • Physical therapy is often prescribed for patients that suffer from a PCL injury. This type of rehabilitation is often prescribed as a nonsurgical option. Physical therapy may also be used post-surgery to regain strength and range of motion.

    Non-Surgical Treatment

    • Patients that have a less severe PCL injury, may be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation. This can help to control the pain and swelling while the PCL has time to heal. Strengthening exercises may also be prescribed.

    Surgical Treatments

    • If surgery is performed to reconstruct the PCL, then the patient may use ice, rest, compression and elevation following surgery to control the pain and swelling. Physical therapy may also be ordered to help regain range of motion after surgery. The recovery time for this type of surgery is about 12 weeks.

    Considerations

    • Whether opting for surgical or nonsurgical treatment of a PCL injury, rehabilitation of the knee plays an important role in recovery. This treatment is vital to regaining strength and movement of the knee.

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