Understanding ACL, MCL and PCL Injuries
ACL, MCL, and PCL injuries all affect ligaments in the knees. Sprains, strains, and tears may occur in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Medial Collateral Ligament, or the Posterior Cruciate Ligament.
ACL is one of the major ligaments within the knee that connects the thighbone to the shin gone. It’s comprised of bands of tissue and can be prone to tears if you twist your knee, exert too much pressure when jumping or landing, stretching, or sustain a hit to the knee.
Sport Activities Prone to ACL, MCL or PCL Injuries
ACL injuries commonly affect people who play sports, but women suffer these injuries more often than men. Football, soccer, and basketball players are more likely to receive these types of injuries. At least 70% of these injuries are from non-contact injuries, while the others are from player-to-player or player-to-object.
The MCL is also a type of ligament in the knee. It’s located on the inside of the knee and flows from the femur to the tibia.
MCL injuries usually involve tears when the knee joint is struck. These types of injuries are focused over the ligament.
The PCL is one of a set of four ligaments located within your knee. It keeps the tibia or thigh bone from sliding backwards or forwards, and keeps the tibia in position below the thigh bone or femur. These types of injuries comprise 20% of knee injuries.
PCL injuries commonly occur in dashboard injuries in car accidents. They directly involve impact with an object.
Care Required When Injuries Occur
In each of these types of injuries, bruising and swelling is usually involved. Patients may see generalized joint swelling in the region a few days after experiencing the injury. It may hurt to exert pressure on the knee or cause difficulties in walking.
Injuries to the ACL, MCL, and PCL may resolve themselves through rest, but the more serious injuries may require rehabilitation or even surgery. Post-surgical treatment will focus on helping the patient to recover their strength and knee movement after surgery.
If a patient is unable to bear weight on their knee, or if the condition doesn’t resolve itself in a few days, a trip to Florida Orthocare to consult with a physician is recommended. Part of your treatment plan may include rest and physical therapy. If ACL, MCL, and PCL injuries are severe, surgery may be the best option to stop pain and restore the knee to full movement.
Helpful South Florida Resources
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