Why does conservative treatment work for PCL injuries????

Question

I see a lot of case reports that say conservative rehab works well for Grade I or II PCL sprains....but WHY? Why doesnt that same treatment work with ACL sprains as effectively? Is it just that the PCL is so thick and strong that even with a grade I or II sprain it can still function well enough to do its job????

Any help here is appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

Well mmm first off conservative RX can be very effective for the ACL also, but people tend to be used to relying on ACL to prevent the shin bone from shifting forward relative to the thigh bone.  This is the most common motion that needs to be stopped, the thigh muscles can be "toned up" in order to assist with this motion, but typically we rely on our ACLs much more.  The PCL prevents the opposite motion and is far less utilized.  However, it is possible to live walk, and do some cautious running without ACLs or PCLs, on both sides, I know a young woman that was born without ACLs and PCLs on either side.  So it can be done, with some knee bracing, during activity.  Hope this helps.