Multimodal and interdisciplinary management of an isolated partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe the evaluation and conservative management of an isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear.

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 32-year-old man with a traumatic right knee injury after tripping was initially diagnosed with medial patellar retinaculum tear at a multidisciplinary clinic. The patient received physiotherapy but reinjured the knee after returning to the sports field 3 weeks later. Subsequent clinical testing and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a grade II isolated PCL tear.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Following the PCL tear diagnosis, a multimodal treatment approach over the course of 8 weeks consisting of chiropractic lumbopelvic manipulation, physiotherapy, and an exercise program emphasizing eccentric muscle action was implemented. Lunges, 1-leg squats, and trunk stabilization exercises were extensively used. Three months postinjury, the patient successfully returned to sports activity with no further complications.

CONCLUSION: The patient in this case report demonstrated successful return to preinjury functional status. This case highlights a multidisciplinary approach through the utilization of chiropractic, physiotherapy, and exercise therapies.