The FAQs of PCL Injury Treatment in Trenton

Get the latest on PCL injury treatment procedures and their effectiveness

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are less well known than their counterparts, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, but they are no less devastating to athletes and other patients. Furthermore, because they are less well known, it is common for PCL injuries to go unrecognized, causing delays in timely treatment. If you or someone you love is at risk for this injury or seeking PCL injury treatment in Trenton, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can answer your questions and give you the care and treatment you need to get back to the activities you love.

What’s The Difference Between The PCL And The ACL?

The PCL and ACL are important parts of your knees’ structure, and they work together to support and stabilize the forward and backward motion of the knee. These cruciate ligaments cross each other to form an "X" as they connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone), with the ACL in front and the PCL in back. The PCL is stronger than the ACL and is injured less often. The PCL also has two parts that blend into one structure that is about the size of a person's little finger.

How Do PCL Injuries Happen?

An injury to the PCL requires powerful force, usually as the knee is bent (such as in a fall, collision, hyperextension, or impact during sports). PCL injury treatment in Trenton may also accompany injuries to other structures in the knee including the cartilage, other ligaments, and bones.

Any ligament injury is considered to be a "sprain" and will be rated on a scale of severity as follows:

• Grade 1– The ligament is mildly damaged. It has been stretched, but is still able to keep the knee joint stable.

• Grade 2– The ligament is stretched to the point where it has become loose. This may also be referred to as a “partial tear.”

• Grade 3– The ligament has been torn into two separate pieces, and the knee joint is unstable.

What Symptoms Should I Look For?

If there are no simultaneous injuries to other structures in your knee, the symptoms of a PCL injury may be so mild that you don’t notice a problem. Over time, the pain might worsen and your knee might feel more unstable. Typical symptoms of a posterior cruciate ligament injury include:

• Pain with swelling that occurs steadily and quickly after the injury and may cause a limp

• Difficulty walking

• The knee feels as though it may give out

Left untreated, symptoms are likely to worsen and your knee may feel gradually less stable.

What Does PCL Treatment In Trenton Involve?

For PCL-only injuries, your physician will usually begin with recommending simple, conservative treatment options, such as:

• R.I.C.E.–Consistent rest, ice, compression and elevation for a set period of time can help facilitate healing.

• Medications–Over-the-counter pain relievers are often sufficient to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.

• Immobilization–Your doctor may recommend a PCL knee brace to prevent your knee from moving, as well as crutches to prevent you from putting weight on your leg.

• Physical therapy–As swelling reduces, a gradual physical rehabilitation program will begin. Strengthening the muscles in the front of your thigh (quadriceps) as well as other areas that support the knee are a key factor in a successful PCL injury treatment in Trenton to generate a full recovery.

In the event that these conservative measures do not reduce or eliminate symptoms, or if your injury is compounded by injury to other structures, your physician may recommend surgical treatments.

With the right team at your side, PCL injury treatment in Trenton is a positive, empowering process toward improved health and increased quality of living. If you have more questions or are already experiencing pain or weakness in your knee, your first step should be to consult your physician right away. For more specialized treatment, visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.