ACL & PCL Tears (Knee Ligament Injuries)

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) form an "X" inside the knee to control stability. Tears occur when sudden force stretches these connective tissues beyond their capacity.

Symptoms

• A loud "pop" or popping sensation
• Rapid swelling and severe joint pain
• Knee instability or "giving way"
• Difficulty bearing weight or walking

Causes

ACL tears usually stem from sudden stops, sharp pivots, or awkward landings. PCL injuries typically result from direct front-of-knee impacts, such as sports collisions or car accidents.

Risk Factors

Playing high-impact sports (soccer, basketball, football, skiing), poor conditioning, muscle imbalances, and improper landing techniques increase susceptibility to injury.

Diagnosis

Premier Orthopaedics specialists evaluate your joint stability through targeted physical exams, movement assessments, and advanced MRI or X-ray imaging to confirm ligament damage.

Treatment

• Non-Surgical: Physical therapy, custom bracing, and targeted rest for mild to moderate sprains.
• Surgical: Minimally invasive ACL/PCL reconstruction for complete tears, returning athletes and active adults to peak function.