How bad is a PCL sprain?

Although it is larger and stronger than the ACL, the PCL can be torn. PCL tears make up less than 20% of injuries to knee ligaments. Injuries that tear the PCL often damage some of the other ligaments or cartilage in the knee, as well. In some cases, the ligament can also break loose a piece of underlying bone.

What does the PCL limit?

The PCL is one of the two cruciate ligaments of the knee. It acts as the major stabilising ligament of the knee. and prevents the tibia from excessive posterior displacement in relation to the femur. It also functions to prevent hyper-extension and limits internal rotation, adduction and abduction at the knee joint.

How long are you out for with a PCL injury?

The duration for a PCL injury also depends on the severity of the sprain, but typically full recovery is achieved between 4 to 12 months.

How long does a grade 3 PCL tear take to heal?

Expected recovery usually occurs in about three months at which time swelling may be resolved and strength recovered. A full return to active sports is usually possible. If PCL reconstruction is needed, full recovery may take 9-12 months.

How does a torn PCL feel?

Symptoms of a Torn PCL Like most ligament tears, a torn PCL is typically observed with swelling and pain. Usually the swelling is located in the back of the knee, and in some cases there may be bruising. Some patients may have difficulty walking, and in severe cases, the knee may feel unstable like it’s “giving out”.

Can a PCL repair itself?

PCL injuries are usually partial ligament tears, and typically heal on their own, without causing stability issues, so long as the knee is protected during healing, and there are no other knee joint injuries.

Can you walk with a PCL injury?

You may have trouble walking. If you only have mild damage to the PCL and no other parts of your knee, you may not notice pain, swelling, or other problems at first. These symptoms may appear over time.

Is a PCL tear career ending?

“Patients with operatively treated PCL injuries can return to sport. However, for competitive athletes, an injury to the PCL can lead to the end of their career.

Can the PCL heal on its own?

PCL injuries are usually partial ligament tears, and typically heal on their own, without causing stability issues, so long as the knee is protected during healing, and there are no other knee joint injuries. However, PCL injuries can lead to osteoarthritis of the knee.

What is the grade of a PCL injury?

PCL injury classification (based on posterior subluxation of tibia Grade I • a partial tear • exam shows 1-5 mm pos Grade II • a complete isolate tear • exam shows 6 Grade III • a combined PCL + capsuloligamentous in

How often does posterior cruciate ligament ( PCL ) injury occur?

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury happens far less often than does injury to the knee’s more vulnerable counterpart, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The posterior cruciate ligament and ACL connect your thighbone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia).

How big is the PCL in the knee?

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is about two inches long and connects the femur to the tibia at the back of the knee. It limits the backward or posterior motion of the tibia (shinbone). Twisting or overextending the knee can cause the PCL to tear, leaving the knee unstable and potentially unable to support a person’s full body weight.

Can a MCL tear cause a PCL tear?

Twisting or overextending the knee can cause the PCL to tear, leaving the knee unstable and potentially unable to support a person’s full body weight. MCL injury may include pain and tenderness along the inner part of your knee.