Understanding My PCL Tear as a 26-Year-Old Male
A couple of months back, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a dislocated elbow and some minor discomfort in my knee. Interestingly, my physician didn't address the knee issue at that time and instead focused on treating my elbow with a cast. Now that my elbow has fully recovered, I've begun experiencing sporadic pain in my knee; there have even been moments during running or vigorous activities when my knee simply buckled beneath me. Concerned, I consulted a second doctor who recommended an MRI scan. The findings from my MRI indicated: - Moderate accumulation of fluid in the joint, along with a partial tear of the posterolateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament, and a nearly complete full-thickness tear of the posterior cruciate ligament. Following this, I was fitted with a knee brace for a period of 20 to 30 days, after which the medical team would reassess my condition and discuss the possibility of surgery. I have a couple of questions: 1. Why wasn’t I aware of significant pain or swelling right after the accident? 2. Is it possible to avoid knee surgery, and could this injury potentially heal on its own based on others' experiences?
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 9:50:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns following your knee injury and the findings from your MRI. Here's a summary of your situation and answers to your questions.
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Delayed Pain and Swelling: After a traumatic event like a car accident, it's not uncommon for some injuries to present delayed symptoms. Following the accident, adrenaline and other stress responses can temporarily mask pain. Additionally, the injury might have caused subtle damage that didn't immediately result in significant swelling or discomfort. The body can sometimes adapt to a minor injury before inflammation or instability becomes noticeable.
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Possibilities for Surgery vs. Healing: Healing from a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals with partial tears, especially in younger and active adults, may experience improvement with conservative management, such as physical therapy and bracing. Others may require surgery, particularly if there are complications like instability (as you described with your knee buckling) that could impact your daily activities or athletic performance.
Next Steps:
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Follow the Bracing Protocol: Keep the knee brace on as recommended. This will help stabilize your knee and prevent further injury while you reassess your condition.
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Engage in Physical Therapy: Once the initial 20-30 days with the brace are complete, ask about a referral for physical therapy. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve stability. This can be a crucial step in avoiding surgery.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in pain, swelling, or knee stability. Note activities that trigger discomfort or buckling. This information will be valuable for your follow-up discussions.
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Communicate with Your Medical Team: Discuss your concerns about surgery with your healthcare providers. They can assess your condition thoroughly after the bracing period and may provide options based on your progress and goals.
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Consider Lifestyle Modifications: While healing, focus on low-impact activities that don't strain your knee, like swimming or cycling, until you're reassured about your stability during high-impact activities.
Always prioritize your body's signals and ensure open communication with your healthcare team for personalized advice. This supportive approach can help optimize your recovery. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!
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