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Knee

Effects of Untreated PCL Avulsion

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

An untreated PCL avulsion 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.

Leaving a PCL avulsion injury untreated can lead to long-term knee instability, weakness, and an increased risk of degenerative joint conditions. Without proper treatment, the knee may become more prone to further ligament damage, cartilage wear, and chronic pain. Dr. Jorge Chahla specializes in diagnosing and treating PCL avulsion injuries to prevent long-term complications. If you suspect a PCL avulsion injury, contact Dr. Chahla’s office in Chicago, Naperville, or Oak Brook to discuss treatment options before the condition worsens.

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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