Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 41-06: Musculoskeletal Injuries of the Knee + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Usually follows an anterior trauma to the tibia, such as a dashboard injury during a motor vehicle accident The knee may freely dislocate and reduce One-third of multi-ligament injuries involving the PCL have neurovascular injuries More than 70–90% of PCL injuries have associated injuries to the posterolateral corner, medial collateral ligament, and anterior cruciate ligament + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Most patients with acute injuries have difficulty with ambulation Patients with chronic PCL injuries Can ambulate without gross instability but may complain of subjective "looseness" Often report pain and dysfunction, especially with bending Pain, swelling, pallor, and numbness in the affected extremity may suggest a knee dislocation with possible injury to the popliteal artery Clinical examinations of PCL injuries include the sag sign (Table 41–7) The PCL ligament can also be examined using the posterior drawer test (90% sensitivity and 99% specificity) (Table 41–7) + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Radiographs are often nondiagnostic but are required to diagnose any fractures MRI is used to diagnose PCL and other associated injuries + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Isolated PCL injuries can be treated nonoperatively Acute injuries are usually immobilized using a knee brace with the knee extension; the patient uses crutches for ambulation Physical therapy can help achieve increased range of motion and improved ambulation Many PCL injuries are associated with other injuries and may require operative reconstruction