PCL Tear

A PCL tear occurs when the posterior cruciate ligament in the knee is overstretched, partially torn, or completely ruptured. This ligament is located at the back of the knee and plays a vital role in maintaining joint stability.

PCL tears usually happen due to high-impact injuries, such as road accidents, falls, or sports-related collisions. Unlike ACL injuries, PCL injuries often occur with other ligament or cartilage damage, making them more complex to treat.

Symptoms of a PCL Tear

Patients with a PCL tear in Madipakkam may notice:

• Pain at the back of the knee
• Swelling within a few hours of injury
• Stiffness and difficulty bending the knee
• A feeling of the knee "giving way" when walking or running
• Difficulty moving downhill or down stairs
• Limping or instability during activities

Causes and Risk Factors

The most common causes of posterior cruciate ligament tears include:

• Direct impact to the front of the knee, often during a road accident ("dashboard injury")
• Sports injuries from sudden falls or tackles in football, rugby, or basketball
• Severe twisting movements or missteps
• Falls onto a bent knee
• Multiple ligament injuries during trauma

Risk is higher for athletes, accident victims, and people with a history of previous knee injuries.

Treatment Options for PCL Tear

Treatment depends on the severity of the tear (Grade I–IV) and whether other ligaments are also injured.

Recovery after a PCL Tear

Recovery depends on whether the injury is treated non-surgically or with surgery. Patients may expect:

• 4–6 weeks for mild injuries with rest and physiotherapy
• 3–6 months for moderate to severe injuries managed non-surgically
• 6–9 months after PCL reconstruction surgery before returning to sports

Rehabilitation exercises and physiotherapy are essential for full recovery and preventing re-injury.