Assessment of PCL Injuries
Assessment procedure for helping to diagnose a posterior cruciate ligament injury.
Assessment for PCL injury
Palpation
- The therapist will usually start with observing and palpating the knee joint for signs of injury.
- A PCL injury will often result in lots of swelling.
Hyperextension
- Over straightening or hyperextending the knee may be painful in PCL injuries
Posterior drawer test
- The posterior drawer test involves pushing the Tibia (shin bone) backwards whilst the knee is bent.
- A positive result is recorded if the Tibia moves back further than on the uninjured side.
Posterior sag test
- The posterior sag test is performed by raising the lower leg to a horizontal position, with the knee bend.
- The therapist observes if the Tibia drops down, forming a sag or dent at the front of the upper shin.
- Always compare to the other knee.
