PCL injuries

1. How do PCL injuries often occur?
2. What is the history and physical exam findings for PCL injury?
3. What imaging is used to diagnose PCL injury?
4. What is the treatment of PCL tear?

Answers:
1. Most frequent cause is hitting the front of the tibia with the knee flexed (dashboard injury) or hyperflexion in athletes. Less common than ACL.
2. May be a pop, minimal swelling that increases over 24 hours. Exam shows popliteal tenderness, an effusion, positive posterior drawer and sag tests.
3. MRI less accurate than for ACL, arthroscopy more accurate than MRI.
4. Surgical repair if ligament is avulsed, quadriceps strengthening.