Evaluation and management of posterior cruciate ligament injuries

Abstract Background Posterior 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. Objective To provide a synopsis of the current best evidence regarding the recognition and treatment of posterior cruciate ligament injuries. Design Structured narrative review. Methods Keyword 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. Summary The 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. Conclusion Understanding 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.