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Knee

Effects of an Untreated PCL Injury

What are the long-term effects of an untreated PCL injury?

An untreated PCL injury can have several long-term effects on the knee and overall joint health. The PCL plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee joint, and when it is injured and left untreated, the following complications may arise:

Without proper treatment, a PCL injury can lead to chronic knee instability. This instability can make activities that involve weight-bearing, such as walking and running, difficult and painful.

An untreated PCL injury may lead to further damage to the knee joint over time. This can include additional ligament, meniscus, or cartilage injuries, which can compound the knee’s instability and decrease its function.

Over the long term, untreated PCL injuries can significantly increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee, particularly in the patellofemoral compartment. The instability and altered mechanics of the joint can accelerate the degeneration of the articular cartilage, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced joint function.

The cumulative effects of chronic pain, instability, and limited mobility can significantly reduce an individual’s quality of life, making it challenging to participate in everyday activities and sports.

If a PCL injury is left untreated, it can lead to ongoing knee instability, weakness, and an increased risk of arthritis and additional ligament damage. Over time, untreated PCL injuries can contribute to further joint degeneration, making daily activities more challenging. Dr. Jorge Chahla specializes in diagnosing and treating PCL injuries to prevent long-term complications. If you are experiencing knee instability or pain, schedule an evaluation at Dr. Chahla’s office in Chicago, Naperville, or Oak Brook for expert care.

At a Glance

Dr. Jorge Chahla

  • Triple fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon
  • Performs over 700 surgeries per year
  • Associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University
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