Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content +++ Key Features ++ Uncommon injury Occurs when the individual falls on a flexed knee with the ankle in plantarflexion or with forced hyperflexion of the knee Most common sports in which PCL injuries are sustained are football and hockey +++ Clinical Findings ++ Swelling and pain in the posterior and lateral knee Increased pain with knee flexion Examination begins with the uninjured knee and proceeds to the injured side +++ Diagnosis ++ Positive posterior drawer test is confirmatory Performed with the patient supine, the knee flexed to 90 degrees, and the foot stabilized Grading is based on the amount of translation Grade 1 (mild) is up to 5 mm Grade 2 (moderate) is 5–10 mm Grade 3 (severe) is more than 10 mm; typically indicates that another ligament is injured in addition to the PCL and should alert the provider to an associated injury Diagnostic imaging includes plain radiographs and MRI scan +++ Treatment ++ Isolated PCL injuries are almost universally treated nonoperatively However, bony avulsions of the PCL off the femur or tibia generally requires surgical fixation Ligamentous PCL injuries in isolation are remarkably well tolerated in athletes and can be treated with bracing and a progressive rehabilitation program Combined injuries (PCL as well as other structures) Complex and often require surgical stabilization Surgical stabilization of these injuries is complicated Return to sports at the previous level is uncertain Your MyAccess profile is currently affiliated with '[InstitutionA]' and is in the process of switching affiliations to '[InstitutionB]'. Please click ‘Continue’ to continue the affiliation switch, otherwise click ‘Cancel’ to cancel signing in. Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Forgot Username? Forgot Password? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth