Causes of PCL Tear:

PCL can get injured for different causes.

• A motor accident, where the knee gets a hit from the front against the dashboard.
• Falling down with a bent knee or a direct collision during sports.
• Landing in an incorrect manner while jumping.

Depending on the severity PCL tears has been classified as:

• Grade I – Less severe partial tear of the PCL.
• Grade II –More severe partial tear of the PCL.
• Grade III – Complete PCL tear
• Grade IV – Multi Ligament injury involving the PCL.

Symptoms of PCL Tear:

• There may be a “popping” sound, thud or a snap which can be felt at the time of injury.
• Knee pain with or without swelling.
• There is a discomfort during brisk walking or stair climbing leading to lethargy and pain in the front of the knee
• In due course of time, PCL tear can lead to arthritis of the knee leading to constant pain and disability.
• Giving way feel when there is associated ligament tear.

Diagnosis of PCL Tear:

While physical examination can lead to the diagnosis of PCL tear, confirmation is usually by MRI scanning.

Grade I and Grade II PCL tears do not require surgery. After protected knee brace for 3 to 6 weeks they have to start undergo physiotherapy and can gradually go back to normal activity.

However Grade III and IV PCL tears need surgical intervention. With Modern technology and improvisation in surgical techniques, these injuries are routinely treated by Key-Hole technology without opening the joint. There are multiple advantages to this technique such as a) less blood loss, b) less pain, c) early recovery, d) less tissue damage, e) lesser chance of infection, f) more cosmetic,etc. After surgery patient has to undergo physiotherapy for three to six months and after which he or she will be able to do all activities which they were doing before the injury.