176. PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament): Function, Injury Mechanisms, Assessment, and Rehab Priorities

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In this PT Snacks episode, Kasey breaks down the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) for PTs and students, covering what it is, how it’s injured, and how we assess and manage it clinically. We review the PCL’s role, common mechanisms of injuries, plus what combined injuries may indicate. We also hit key exam findings and tests, imaging options, grading, and broad rehab principles focused on protecting against posterior shear, progressing quad strength, and using protocols thoughtfully while testing readiness stage to stage.

00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks
00:31 Support the Podcast
01:13 What the PCL Does
01:35 Anatomy and Bundles
02:49 Injury Mechanisms
04:08 Symptoms and History
05:09 Clinical Tests and Imaging
06:04 Grading and Treatment Paths
07:18 Rehab Principles and Progression
09:14 Protocol Reasoning and Homework
11:34 Wrap Up and Contact

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