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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 you suspect you have a PCL injury or are experiencing knee pain, contact Dr. Chahla today to schedule a knee evaluation. Dr. Jorge Chahla is a sports medicine orthopedic complex knee surgeon in Chicago, Illinois who specializes in the treatment of complex knee and knee ligamentous injuries. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of sports medicine and is a pioneer in novel therapies, including complex knee and PCL injuries. Dr. Chahla’s focus is on customized and personalized care to meet the needs of each of his patients. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.

At a Glance

Dr. Jorge Chahla

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