Knee Unit- PCL

Question 1

Mechanism of Injury

Answer 1

• Forceful blow to anterior tibia while knee flexed

- Fall onto flexed knee, hit dashboard

Question 2

True or false: Many patients with PCL tears return to a preinjury level of activity without surgical intervention

Answer 2

True, but can have arthroscopic or open procedures

Question 3

How long immobilized?

Answer 3

• May be immobilized for first 4 weeks, at 4-5 weeks unlocked to allow 0-90 degrees flexion
• Weight bearing is progressed gradually

Question 4

PCL post op exercises after a reconstruction are most similar to what other post op surgery?

Answer 4

ACL

Question 5

During what weeks should knee flexion be preformed and how should it be performed?

Answer 5

the first 4-6 weeks knee flexion should be performed passively

> Hamstrings are inactive during knee flexion activities to avoid risk of posterior displacement of tibia on femur

Question 6

Important rehab considerations for PCL: PRECAUTION

IMPORTANT

Answer 6

-Resisted knee flexion such as hamstring curls are postponed until 9-10 weeks postop to avoid stressing graft

Question 7

When progressing to work or sport related activities, patient should avoid activities that…?

Answer 7

-place excessive posterior forces on the knee

>Deep squatting or walking down inclines

Question 8

May need to wear protective bracing during exercise and functional activities well beyond how many months post surgery?

Answer 8

6 months