PCL Injury

Question 1

What movement does the PCL limit?

Answer 1

• Prevents anteriorisation of the femur on the tibia or posteriorisation of the tibia on the femur

Question 2

How can the PCL get injured?

Answer 2

• Hyper-extension of the knee during sport
• Falling and hitting your tibia on the ground first
• Direct posterior force on the proximal tibia with the knee flexed

Question 3

What are the clinical presentations?

Answer 3

Minimal pain, swelling, and instability

Question 4

What is the best test to check for PCL injury?

Answer 4

Posterior draw test

Question 5

How will you grade PCL injury?

Answer 5

Depending on the position of the tibial plateau relative to the femoral condyles. Tibeal plateau normally sits 1cm in front of the femoral condyles.
• Grade 1 Injury
TheTibial Plateau moves backwards but stays in front of the Femoral Condyles.
• Grade 2 Injury
The Tibial Plateau moves backwards to lie level with the Femoral Condyles.
• Grade 3 Injury
The Tibial Plateau moves backwards to lie behind the Femoral Condyles.

Question 6

What kind of imaging would confirm the diagnosis? and when will surgery be required?

Answer 6

MRI
• Patients who have avulsion fractures (where the PCL has been pulled away from one of its bony attachments) should be treated surgically.

Question 7

What exercises would you recommend patients?

Answer 7

Exercises to strengthen the quads and hamstrings