PCL Tear

PCL Tear services offered in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, CA

A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear may not be as common as an ACL injury, but it can still cause serious knee trouble, such as long-lasting instability and pain. Hansel E. Ihn, MD, specializes in diagnosing PCL tears and providing the treatment you need to heal and restore the knee’s strength and mobility. Call the office in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, California, or request an appointment online today.

PCL Tear Q & A

What is a PCL tear?

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is one of four ligaments responsible for stabilizing the knee joint. The PCL connects the thighbone to the shinbone.

The ligament ensures the shinbone stays aligned with the thigh bone, limits excessive movement, and prevents it from moving backward in relation to the thighbone.

The PCL is injured less frequently than the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) because it’s thicker and twice as strong as the ACL. However, extreme force, such as a car accident that forces the knee into the dashboard or falling onto a flexed knee, can cause a PCL tear.

PCL injuries most often occur in sports such as football, soccer, baseball, and skiing. The ligament can also be damaged by a rotational hyperextension injury to the knee. This type of injury occurs when the knee joint is forced to bend too far backward while also being twisted.

What symptoms does a PCL tear cause?

PCL tears typically result in:

Pain and swelling quickly after the injury
Swelling that makes the knee stiff
Difficulty walking
Knee instability (it feels like it may give out)

You may also have a hard time walking up stairs.

How is a PCL tear treated?

During surgery, Dr. Ihn often reconstructs the ligament rather than stitching it together. Whenever possible, he performs minimally invasive arthroscopy, which reduces post-surgery pain and accelerates your recovery.

A partial tear often heals without surgery when it’s supported by treatments such as knee bracing and immobilization, crutches (if needed), and physical therapy.

Dr. Ihn may recommend surgery for a complete tear and combined injuries, such as a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments.

During surgery, Dr.Ihn often reconstructs the ligament rather than stitching it together. Whenever possible, he performs minimally invasive arthroscopy, which reduces post-surgery pain and accelerates your recovery.

Whether you need surgical or non-surgical treatment, rehabilitation has a crucial role in healing and returning to daily activities. Rehabilitation is essential for promoting healing, regaining knee strength, and restoring optimal function.

As an orthopedic knee specialist, Dr. Ihn provides expert care for PCL tears. Call the office or book an appointment online today to start your healing and recovery.