PCL in Children
PCL stands for Posterior Cruciate Ligament. It is the strongest ligament in knee structure. It is an important ligament that keeps the knee stable. Compared to the Anterior Cruciate ligament, PCL injury is less common.
Causes of PCL Injury: A tear, rupture or a sprain in the posterior cruciate ligament of the knee is referred to as PCL injury. An injury is caused to the PCL during high speed games like basketball, soccer, football, hockey. During driving, if the knee hits the dashboard in case of an accident, or landing strongly during the game of football can also cause PCL injury. Dislocation of the kneecap can also result in injury.
- Instability in the knee
- Pain and Swelling in the knee
- Difficulty during walking
- Difficulty while climbing stairs
- Stiffness in the knee
Diagnosis: Once you visit the doctor, he will ask detailed questions about how the injury took place, how long it has been since the injury took place. He examines the knee part, checks the amount of swelling, tenderness in the knee area. The doctor may also ask you to get an X-ray or an MRI done, to study your injury in detail.
- Use of Knee brace-Use of a knee brace can help to reduce movement, and keep the knee stable. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines are also prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.
- Use of Crutches-The doctor may recommend you to use cructhes and reduce the amount of weight on your knee. He would also prescribe you with medicines to manage your pain.
- Physiotherapy: After the injury is detected, the doctors ask the patient to rest and reduce the amount of movement and weight on the knee. After the swelling goes down and the pain is less, the patient starts light exercise. Later on he starts with proper physiotherapy sessions to heal the injury.
- Surgery: If the PCL is severely injured, surgery is the only option. Arthroscopic mode of surgery is used to reconstruct the damaged PCL. This mode of treatment is taken up when any other ligament is also injured including the bone.
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