Question - PCL and ACL Injury

by Erik
(Houston, TX, USA)

I went to get a MRI done and they told me that my ACL was attenuated with the chronic ACL tear, and my PCL was buckled. I just wanted to know if i would be able to run track again?

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Question - PCL and ACL Injury

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May 29, 2008
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Maybe without surgery, probably with
by: Bart - SII

Every person is different when it comes to the stability of their knee. The ACL and the PCL are extremely important when it comes to keeping the knee stable. Some people can get along fine without the ACL or PCL being completely fine - they play sports, run, jump, and cut without giving way (however, they usually have earlier onset of arthritis later in life)

Other people can't even walk up stairs or across the room without their knee buckling when they have an ACL or PCL tear.

The key after an injury like this is to examine your options...if you are young and healthy, then surgery for the ACL at least is probably a good option. And following the surgery and lots of rehab, you should be able to run track again.

If you are not interested in the surgery, then rehabilitation to work on strengthening the stabilizing muscles may be able to get you back into track.

I would recommend talking with your doctor about all of your options, and make sure that they answer all of your questions.

I have treated lots and lots of patients who had ACL reconstructions and they were able to return to sports after about 6-8 months, almost as good as before injury. The rehab is the key.

Hope this helps - comment back if you have other questions.