Knee Surg Relat Res.  2011 Sep;23(3):135-141. 10.5792/ksrr.2011.23.3.135.

Rupture of Posterior Cruciate Ligament: Diagnosis and Treatment Principles

• Lee BK
• Nam SW

• KMID: 2223376
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5792/ksrr.2011.23.3.135

Abstract

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries associated with multiple ligament injuries can be easily diagnosed, but isolated PCL tears are less symptomatic, very difficult to diagnose, and frequently misdiagnosed. If a detailed investigation of the history of illness suggests a PCL injury, careful physical examinations including the posterior drawer test, dial test, varus and valgus test should be done especially if the patient complains of severe posterior knee pain in >90degrees of flexion. Vascular assessment and treatment should be done to avoid critical complications. An individualized treatment plan should be established after consideration of the type of tear, time after injury, associated collateral ligament injuries, bony alignment, and status of remnant. The rehabilitation should be carried out slower than that after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Keyword

Posterior cruciate ligament; Diagnosis; Treatment

MeSH Terms

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Collateral Ligaments
Humans
Knee
Ligaments
Physical Examination
Posterior Cruciate Ligament
Rupture