Evaluation and management of posterior cruciate ligament injuries

BackgroundPosterior cruciate ligament injuries are increasingly recognized, the result of various sports activities, and while most athletes return to sports the development degenerative joint changes is common.ObjectiveTo provide a synopsis of the current best evidence regarding the recognition and treatment of posterior cruciate ligament injuries.DesignStructured narrative review.MethodsKeyword search of Medline, CINAHL, and PEDro databases for studies published in English from January 1975 to July 2011. Additionally, the reference lists from articles obtained were manually searched for relevant literature.SummaryThe manuscript provides an overview of posterior cruciate ligament injury, discusses diagnostic methods to include radiographic examination techniques, and presents information on surgical and conservative management of PCL injuries.ConclusionUnderstanding the mechanism of injuries and most effective examination methods can aide in effective early recognition of PCL injuries. Appropriate management of the patient with PCL deficiency or reconstructed knee will optimize outcomes and potentially affect long term knee function.