The cases related to the Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries are thought to go undetected more than they are discovered. With milder symptoms compared to isolated Anterior Cruciate ligament rupture this injury can be misleading. A thorough initial evaluation is essential in recognizing the injury along with passive test, active test, X rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Whether to operate or to rehabilitate is still unknown because of the lack of research showing long-term successes with nonoperative rehabilitation and the problem still stands that reconstructive techniques is more effective in retarding degenerative changes than nonoperative rehabilitation. Reports also show with joint stability test of a nonoperative rehabilitated knee are comparable to reconstructed knee, because once you have operated on the knee it will never reach the original static of stability.
The rehabilitation program for the PCL is a five phase program. During the first phase of this program, the athletes endurance would be maintained by using isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic exercise while at the same time offering maximum protection during the healing and functional exercises during this first phase the patient remains on crutches for 5 days and worked on there range of motion (ROM). On the 6 day postinjury, phase 2 will provide moderate protection while also strengthening and building endurance without compromising the healing process. Phase 3 begins on week 3 postinjury the athlete will perform functional activities at half speed. Phase 4 begins 3 1/2 weeks postinury the athlete will now start functional activities specific to there sport. Week 4 is the beginning to phase 5 when they should return to practice if everything has gone as planned they will probably report soreness but no complaints of pain in the knee.