Isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries of the knee – A clinical review

Article type: Research Article

Authors: De Burca, N

Affiliations: Physiotherapy Department, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland

Note: [] Correspondence to: Neasa De Burca. Email: neasa.deburca1@hse.ie

Abstract: Patients with PCL injuries may present with vague knee symptoms, or may be asymptomatic and unaware they have had a ligament injury. The PCL can be injured in a variety of ways, but the two predominant mechanisms are motor vehicle accidents and athletic injuries. Accurate diagnosis of the injury is of paramount importance in ensuring the correct management plan. Partial tears will generally be managed conservatively, whereas complete and combined ligamentous injuries will usually require surgical intervention. Outcomes from PCL injuries can be good to excellent providing an accurate diagnosis is made and an appropriate management plan is followed.

Keywords: Posterior cruciate ligament, knee

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-2010-31206

Journal: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 25-29, 2010