Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury Treatment
The posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL, is one of the four main ligaments of the knee joint. The job of the PCL is to stabilize and support the knee joint from behind, ensuring the top of the tibia does not shift too far backward. PCL sprains and injuries are not as common as many other types of knee injuries, but they can occur as sports injuries or in traumatic accidents. Our orthopedic specialists at DOCS Health can perform posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury treatment at our Los Angeles medical center.
The PCL is instrumental in supporting the knee joint, connecting the tibia and femur. It is a small ligament that is made from two parts, but it is very strong. It requires excessive force to stretch or tear the PCL. This usually occurs when the knee is impacted while the knee is bent or hyperextended. PCL sprains can happen during a high-impact fall onto a bent or extended leg or during an auto accident when the knee is bent and hits the dashboard or other barriers.
Symptoms of PCL Sprains
PCL injuries can be overlooked. The symptoms are similar to many other knee injuries, and it is common for other ligaments, bones or tissues to be injured in the same event. Some of the classic symptoms of a PCL sprain include:
- Pain and swelling immediately after the injury
- Stiffness caused by swelling
- Limping or difficulty walking
- The knee may feel weak or like it could collapse
PCL injuries or sprains can be partial or complete tears, or just a stretching or loosening of the ligament. Treatment is conservative for most PCL injuries. Rest, ice, bracing and anti-inflammatory medications can be used, followed by physical therapy. In more severe cases of complete PCL tears, surgery may be required to reconstruct the ligament.
If you suffer a knee injury and believe your PCL or other components have been damaged, contact us at DOCS Health. We offer posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury treatment at our orthopedic and sports injury clinic in Los Angeles.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.