The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the strongest ligament and main stabilizer of the knee, although it is less studied than its anterior counterpart. Despite it being considered a rare lesion to face historically, recently, many studies have underlined how the low numbers do not reflect the true incidence of this injury, since it is misdiagnosed. PCL injuries are most often caused by high-impact events like motor vehicle accidents and sports-related trauma, particularly in soccer and motorcycle crashes. These injuries are rarely isolated, with up to 95% of cases involving damage to other knee structures, such as the posterolateral corner. The PCL consists of two bundles—the anterolateral and posteromedial, which work together to prevent posterior tibial translation and provide rotational stability at different flexion angles. Diagnosing a PCL tear requires a comprehensive patient history, physical examination, and specific clinical tests, such as the posterior drawer and reverse pivot shift tests. Imaging techniques like stress X-rays and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mostly in acute scenarios, are essential for assessing the extent of the injury. Arthroscopy by itself can provide useful information about combined injuries, but it should be used cautiously for assessing the integrity of the ligament. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as PCL injuries often occur alongside other ligament injuries, requiring a comprehensive treatment approach.

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PCL Tear: Partial, Complete or Associated with Medial or Lateral Injuries

  • Marta Barosso,
  • Claudia Luciano,
  • Gaetano Lo Bue,
  • Pier Francesco Pirri,
  • Fabrizio Margheritini

摘要

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the strongest ligament and main stabilizer of the knee, although it is less studied than its anterior counterpart. Despite it being considered a rare lesion to face historically, recently, many studies have underlined how the low numbers do not reflect the true incidence of this injury, since it is misdiagnosed. PCL injuries are most often caused by high-impact events like motor vehicle accidents and sports-related trauma, particularly in soccer and motorcycle crashes. These injuries are rarely isolated, with up to 95% of cases involving damage to other knee structures, such as the posterolateral corner. The PCL consists of two bundles—the anterolateral and posteromedial, which work together to prevent posterior tibial translation and provide rotational stability at different flexion angles. Diagnosing a PCL tear requires a comprehensive patient history, physical examination, and specific clinical tests, such as the posterior drawer and reverse pivot shift tests. Imaging techniques like stress X-rays and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mostly in acute scenarios, are essential for assessing the extent of the injury. Arthroscopy by itself can provide useful information about combined injuries, but it should be used cautiously for assessing the integrity of the ligament. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as PCL injuries often occur alongside other ligament injuries, requiring a comprehensive treatment approach.