TOTBİD Derleme Dergisi

TOTBİD Derleme Dergisi

2026, Cilt 25, Sayı, 1     (Sayfalar: 051-057)

Diagnosis, classification and treatment options for posterior cruciate ligament injuries in athletes

Arman Vahabi 1, Semih Aydoğdu 1

1 Ege Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Ana Bilim Dalı, İzmir

DOI: 10.5578/totbid.derleme.dergisi.2026.08
Görüntüleme: 15
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İndirme : 7

The treatment of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries has seen significant progress in recent years. Contrary to earlier, pioneering studies that reported poor clinical and functional outcomes following PCL reconstruction, recent reports suggest that results comparable to those achieved with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can be expected after PCL reconstruction. This improvement is attributed to the implementation of anatomic reconstruction techniques, dynamic bracing, and structured physical therapy protocols. A dysfunctional PCL is known to compromise normal knee kinematics by causing posterior instability. It also negatively affects load transfer mechanics within the medial and patellofemoral compartments, which subsequently increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Grade I and II PCL injuries can be effectively managed with functional rehabilitation and dynamic bracing. Classic indications for surgical intervention include Grade III isolated PCL injuries or PCL injuries associated with concurrent ligamentous or meniscal damage. The timeline for an athlete`s return to sport is multifaceted, depending on the treatment method, the type of sport, the presence of associated injuries, and the rehabilitation protocol.

Anahtar Kelimeler : posterior cruciate ligament; posterolateral corner; ligament injury; return to sports; multiligament knee injury