title: Diagnosing posterior cruciate ligament injuries.
abstract: Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are difficult to detect because patients rarely present with findings that suggest a severe ligament injury. The keys to diagnosis include learning the mechanism of injury and performing a posterior drawer test. A complete knee exam rules out associated injuries. Nonoperative treatment is indicated for low-grade, isolated PCL injuries, but patients should be monitored for any degenerative changes. Combined injuries, high-grade injuries, and avulsion fractures require surgery. Rehabilitation goals for all PCL injuries include regaining full range of motion and quadriceps strength.
authors.affiliation: Maryville Orthopedic Clinic, Maryville, TN, 37804-5001, USA.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Wroble