Knee
Conditions
- Anatomy of the Knee
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries in Women
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear (ACL Tear)
- Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis) of the Knee
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Fractures of the Tibial Spine
- Goosefoot (Pes Anserine) Bursitis of the Knee
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
- Meniscus Tear
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee
- Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee
- Patella Fracture (Broken Knee Cap)
- Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)
- Patellar Tracking Disorder
- Patella Tendon Rupture
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)
- Prepatellar Bursitis (Kneecap Bursitis)
- Quadriceps Tendon Tear
- Septic Arthritis of the Knee
- Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
- Supracondylar Femoral Fracture
- Tibial Plateau Fracture
- Torn Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
Torn Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
Overview
This condition occurs when the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), a band of tissue that connects the femur to the tibia inside the knee joint, becomes torn or worn away. A torn PCL causes pain and instability of the knee.
Causes
PCL tears most commonly result from severe injury or trauma to the knee. A sudden blow to the front of the knee while the knee is bent can force the tibia backward, tearing the PCL. This occurs most frequently in motor vehicle accidents.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of a torn PCL is pain in the knee. Other symptoms may include immediate weakness or popping sound in the knee after an injury, swelling, stiffness, and bruising. Walking is painful and the knee may feel unstable.
Treatment
Treatment options for torn PCL include rest, cold compress, wrapping the knee, elevating the knee, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. If pain or instability of the knee worsens, surgery may be required.
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