Physiotherapy Management of Adolescent Posterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury may result in knee pain, instability, impaired neuromuscular control, and limitations in functional activities. Physiotherapy may support recovery through structured conservative management and progressive therapeutic exercise.
Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of physiotherapy intervention in a patient with left PCL rupture, particularly regarding pain, knee stability, and functional ability.
Methods: This case report involved a 12-year-old male patient with left PCL rupture following a basketball related injury. Physiotherapy intervention was provided over four sessions and included cryotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, strengthening exercises, stabilization training, and proprioceptive exercises. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Range of Motion (ROM), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Single Leg Stance (SLS), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).
Results: Pain decreased from 1/10 to 0/10 at rest and from 3/10 to 1/10 during movement. Single leg stance performance improved from less than 5 seconds to more than 10 seconds, indicating improved balance and postural control. LEFS increased from 73 to 78, suggesting improvement in lower extremity functional ability. Knee ROM remained unchanged, with flexion at 125° and extension at 0°, while muscle strength remained 5/5 on MMT.
Conclusion: A four session physiotherapy program was associated with reduced pain and improvements in balance and functional ability in this patient with left PCL rupture. The findings support the potential contribution of structured physiotherapy to conservative rehabilitation; however, conclusions regarding treatment effectiveness should be interpreted cautiously because this report describes a single case.