A 1998 current-concepts review by Harner and Höher synthesizing anatomy, biomechanics, clinical evaluation, and treatment algorithms for PCL injuries. The central question: how should injury severity, associated structural damage, and basic science data drive the decision between nonoperative and operative management?
When you see a PCL injury, the first branch point is isolated vs. combined: isolated partial tears (grades I–II) do well without surgery, but any combined ligamentous injury — especially with posterolateral corner involvement — needs operative repair within two weeks.
Never accept a 'reduced' knee at face value; a spontaneously reduced dislocation still carries a 14% rate of vascular injury and demands vascular assessment.
A 1998 current-concepts review by Harner and Höher synthesizing anatomy, biomechanics, clinical evaluation, and treatment algorithms for PCL injuries. The central question: how should injury severity, associated structural damage, and basic science data drive the decision between nonoperative and operative management?
When you see a PCL injury, the first branch point is isolated vs. combined: isolated partial tears (grades I–II) do well without surgery, but any combined ligamentous injury — especially with posterolateral corner involvement — needs operative repair within two weeks.
Never accept a 'reduced' knee at face value; a spontaneously reduced dislocation still carries a 14% rate of vascular injury and demands vascular assessment.