Injuries to the PCL are relatively uncommon in football but often require a long rehabilitation period. Fortunately, most can be adequately treated by conservative (non-surgical) means.
PCL injuries that lead to major disability often do so because they are associated with cartilage degeneration. A famous recent case of a PCL injury with severe consequences was to the South African rugby star Bobby Skinstaad .
The most common mechanism of injury is a player being tackled and forcing his shin into the turf, which places a posterior draw on the knee. However in AFL ruckmen, a fairly unique mechanism is noted where two players collide in a ruck duel, clashing knees together. Many AFL ruckmen have suffered this injury and recovered in recent years, although Michael Gardiner of West Coast and Beau MacDonald of Brisbane have required PCL reconstructions due to recurrent injuries.
To post a comment or ask a question about these injuries, visit the injuryupdate Forum, click here .