Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Rationale for Treatment

Abstract

Knee injuries are common and account for 15–50% of all sports injuries, 40% of which are ligamentous in nature [1]. Historically, the athletic population has been considered at risk for injuries involving the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), but, interestingly, the reported incidence of these lesions is relatively low. However, PCL injuries are most likely underestimated due to the subtlety of their symptoms and physical exam findings. Although athletes can often function at a high level with an isolated PCL injury, combined injuries and severe isolated injuries with persistent symptomatic instability usually require surgical treatment. Indeed, isolated PCL injury, if left untreated, may result in disability years later, although the natural history of the PCL-deficient knee remains a matter of debate. Furthermore, clinical evidence that current reconstruction techniques significantly alter the stability and function of the PLC-deficient knee is lacking. This chapter provides an up-to-date overview of the basic science and clinical aspects of PCL injury, focusing on the athletic population.