Knee - Arthroscopy and Sport Injury Specialist in Mumbai

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tear and Reconstruction

Dr. Aditya Pawaskar is one of top notch knee arthroscopy surgeon and Sport Injury Specialist in Mumbai. With his extensive experience in orthopedics, he provides excellent care and effective treatments for patients with shoulder and knee problems.

A Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) tear is a less common but significant knee injury that occurs when the posterior cruciate ligament, located in the back of the knee joint, is damaged. The PCL plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint and preventing excessive backward movement of the shinbone (tibia) relative to the thighbone (femur).

Causes and Mechanism of PCL Tears:

PCL tears can occur due to:

• Direct Impact: A forceful blow to the front of the shinbone can cause the tibia to push back on the femur, leading to a PCL tear.
• Falls: Landing on a bent knee or falling on the knee can also result in a PCL tear.
• Sports Injuries: Twisting, hyperextension, or collision during sports can cause PCL tears.

Symptoms:

• Pain: Pain at the back of the knee, especially during movement or weight-bearing.
• Swelling: Swelling in the knee joint due to bleeding into the joint space.
• Instability: Feeling of the knee being unstable or giving way, especially during activities involving walking downhill or stairs.
• PCL Reconstruction Surgery: Indications: PCL reconstruction is considered for individuals with significant PCL tears, especially those who experience ongoing instability or desire to return to high-demand activities.
• Procedure: PCL reconstruction involves replacing the torn PCL with a graft. Common graft sources include the patellar tendon, hamstring tendons, or donor tissue (allograft).
• Surgical Techniques: The surgeon uses arthroscopic techniques, making small incisions around the knee joint. The graft is positioned to replicate the function of the PCL and secured using screws or other fixation devices.

Sports Prone to Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tear and Reconstruction and Injury Risks:

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) tears and reconstruction needs may vary across sports. However, considering the forces and movements involved, the following sports might be associated with a higher risk of PCL injuries:

• Football (Soccer): The stop-and-start nature, sudden changes in direction, and physical contact in football can increase the risk of PCL tears.
• Cricket: Fast bowlers and fielders in cricket may be prone to PCL injuries due to the repetitive, forceful actions involved.
• Basketball: The jumping, landing, and rapid directional changes in basketball can contribute to PCL injuries.
• Wrestling: Wrestling, with its intense physical contact and rapid movements, can contribute to ACL tears.
• Kabaddi: Frequent tackles and abrupt directional changes in Kabaddi can pose a risk of PCL injuries.
• Rugby: The physicality, tackles, and quick directional changes in rugby may lead to PCL injuries.
• Volleyball: Jumping and landing, especially during spikes and blocks, can increase the risk of PCL injuries in volleyball.
• Field Hockey: Quick turns, sudden stops, and physical play in field hockey may contribute to PCL injuries.
• Badminton: While generally low-impact, the lateral movements and sudden accelerations in badminton may pose a risk of ACL tears.
• Athletics (Track and Field): Events involving sudden stops and changes in direction, such as hurdles, may pose a risk of PCL tears.

Consult with Dr. Aditya Pawaskar, a Sports Medicine Specialist in Mumbai, to determine the most appropriate treatment for Knee injuries based on individual cases and the latest medical advancements.

Sports Prone to PLC Tear and Reconstruction and Injury Risks:

Sports that involve a risk of Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) tears, requiring reconstruction, are typically those with a high incidence of hyperextension, direct impact to the front of the knee, and rapid deceleration. In India, the following sports may be associated with a higher risk of PCL injuries:

• Football (Soccer): The dynamic nature of football, with sudden stops, changes in direction, and physical contact, can contribute to PCL tears.
• Cricket: Fast bowlers and fielders in cricket may be prone to PCL injuries due to the repetitive, forceful actions involved.
• Rugby: The physicality, tackles, and potential for hyperextension in rugby may lead to PCL injuries.
• Kabaddi: Frequent tackles and abrupt directional changes in Kabaddi can pose a risk of PCL injuries.
• Wrestling: Wrestling, with its intense physical contact and rapid movements, can contribute to PCL tears.
• Basketball: Jumping, landing, and abrupt directional changes in basketball may increase the risk of PCL injuries.
• Badminton:The lateral movements and sudden accelerations in badminton can pose a risk to the articular cartilage.
• Wrestling: Wrestling, with its intense physical contact and rapid movements, can contribute to cartilage damage.
• Volleyball: Quick lateral movements and potential awkward landings in volleyball may pose a risk of LCL injuries.
• Athletics (Track and Field): Events involving lateral movements, such as hurdles or lateral jumps, may contribute to LCL tears.

Consult with Dr. Aditya Pawaskar, a Sports Medicine Specialist in Mumbai, to determine the most appropriate treatment for Knee & shoulder injuries based on individual cases and the latest medical advancements.