From the Research
PCL stands for Posterior Cruciate Ligament in medical terminology, which is a crucial ligament for knee stability, particularly when the knee is bent. The PCL connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and prevents the tibia from moving too far backward relative to the femur. This ligament is actually stronger and larger than its counterpart, the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), and is less commonly injured 1. When a PCL injury occurs, it typically results from a direct blow to the front of the knee while it's bent, such as hitting the dashboard in a car accident or falling directly onto a bent knee.
Key Points About PCL
- The PCL is the strongest ligament about the knee and is approximately twice as strong as the anterior cruciate ligament 1
- Its main function is to prevent the posterior dislocation of the tibia in relation to the femur, providing 95% of the strength to resist the tibial posterior displacement 1
- PCL ruptures are uncommon apparently due to its strong fibre structure 1
- The most frequent injury mechanism in isolated PCL tears is a direct blow on the anterior tibia with the knee flexed thus driving the tibia posteriorly 1
Recent Consensus on PCL Management
A recent expert consensus from 17 countries reached a consensus on 11 statements regarding the management of PCL injuries, including clinical decision-making, treatment, and postoperative management 2. The management of PCL injuries should be based on the latest evidence and expert consensus, prioritizing the preservation of the native tissue and minimizing invasive surgery.
Treatment Options for PCL Injuries
Treatment options for PCL injuries include primary repair, reconstruction, and conservative management. Arthroscopic primary repair with suture augmentation is a viable option for proximal PCL tears with sufficient tissue quality 3. Anatomic double-bundle PCL reconstruction is also a proposed technique to re-create the native PCL footprint more closely and restore normal knee kinematics 4. However, the decision to reconstruct the PCL or leave it without surgery should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual patient's condition and activity level 5.