{"id":2299,"date":"2026-02-27T18:47:48","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T18:47:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kneehospitals.com\/blog\/pcl-sprain-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T18:47:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T18:47:48","slug":"pcl-sprain-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kneehospitals.com\/blog\/pcl-sprain-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"PCL sprain: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PCL sprain Introduction (What it is)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A PCL sprain is an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) inside the knee.<br\/>\nIt means the PCL has been stretched or partially torn, rather than completely ruptured.<br\/>\nClinicians use this term when describing knee instability or pain after trauma or sports.<br\/>\nIt is commonly discussed in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why PCL sprain used (Purpose \/ benefits)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPCL sprain\u201d is primarily a diagnostic term. Its purpose is to clearly describe a specific pattern of ligament injury in the knee\u2014one that can affect stability, comfort, and function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using the term helps clinicians:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Communicate what tissue is injured.<\/strong> The PCL is a major stabilizing ligament that limits the tibia (shinbone) from shifting backward relative to the femur (thighbone).  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Frame the likely biomechanical problem.<\/strong> Even a partial PCL injury can change how forces move through the knee, which may contribute to a feeling of \u201clooseness,\u201d pain with certain activities, or decreased confidence in the joint.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Guide next-step evaluation.<\/strong> Labeling an injury as a PCL sprain often triggers consideration of associated injuries (meniscus, cartilage, other ligaments) and whether imaging is needed.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Support treatment planning.<\/strong> The diagnosis can help determine whether a conservative approach (rehabilitation, bracing, activity modification) is reasonable, or whether surgical consultation is more appropriate\u2014depending on severity and accompanying damage.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Set expectations for monitoring.<\/strong> A sprain implies a spectrum of injury. Follow-up exams may be used to confirm healing and stability, especially when symptoms persist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, the diagnosis helps match the knee problem (instability, pain, limited function) to the structure involved (the PCL) and the typical clinical pathways used to evaluate and manage it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Indications (When orthopedic clinicians use it)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Orthopedic and sports medicine clinicians may use the term PCL sprain in scenarios such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A knee injury after a <strong>direct blow to the front of the tibia<\/strong> with the knee bent (classic \u201cdashboard-type\u201d mechanism)<\/li>\n<li>Sports trauma involving <strong>hyperflexion<\/strong> (knee bent forcefully) or <strong>hyperextension<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Posterior knee pain or swelling after a fall onto a bent knee<\/li>\n<li>A physical exam suggesting <strong>posterior laxity<\/strong> (the tibia moves backward more than expected)<\/li>\n<li>MRI findings consistent with <strong>partial PCL fiber disruption<\/strong> or ligament stretching<\/li>\n<li>Knee instability complaints, especially when the knee feels less steady during deceleration, downhill walking, or pivoting (symptoms vary by person)<\/li>\n<li>Evaluation of a knee injury where other structures may also be involved (multi-structure injuries can coexist)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contraindications \/ when it\u2019s NOT ideal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because PCL sprain is a descriptive diagnosis rather than a treatment, \u201cnot ideal\u201d typically means situations where it may be incomplete, misleading, or insufficient on its own\u2014or where a different clinical pathway becomes more appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Suspected complete rupture or high-grade instability<\/strong>, where \u201csprain\u201d may understate the severity (grading varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Knee dislocation<\/strong> concerns or signs of <strong>neurovascular compromise<\/strong> (these scenarios require urgent assessment)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Associated fractures<\/strong> (for example, tibial plateau or avulsion-type injuries), where bone injury management is central<\/li>\n<li><strong>Multi-ligament injuries<\/strong> (ACL, MCL, LCL\/PLC combinations), where the PCL injury is only one component of a complex pattern<\/li>\n<li><strong>Persistent mechanical symptoms<\/strong> (locking, catching) suggesting a meniscus tear or loose body that needs separate evaluation<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chronic symptomatic instability<\/strong> after an older injury, where the problem may involve altered biomechanics, cartilage wear, or compensatory movement patterns rather than an acute sprain alone<\/li>\n<li>Situations where pain is driven primarily by <strong>arthritis, inflammatory disease, infection, or referred pain<\/strong>, in which case a PCL sprain label may not match the true cause<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it works (Mechanism \/ physiology)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A PCL sprain is not a device or medication, so it does not have a \u201cmechanism of action\u201d in the usual therapeutic sense. Instead, the key concept is the <strong>biomechanical role of the PCL<\/strong> and what changes when it is injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relevant knee anatomy and the PCL\u2019s role<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The knee is formed by the <strong>femur<\/strong>, <strong>tibia<\/strong>, and <strong>patella<\/strong>, with cushioning from <strong>articular cartilage<\/strong> and <strong>menisci<\/strong> (medial and lateral).<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>PCL<\/strong> runs inside the knee joint, behind the ACL, and is a primary restraint to <strong>posterior translation of the tibia<\/strong> (the tibia sliding backward).<\/li>\n<li>The PCL also contributes to control of <strong>rotation<\/strong> and overall knee stability, especially at certain knee flexion angles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens in a sprain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>sprain<\/strong> means ligament fibers are stretched and\/or partially torn.<\/li>\n<li>When PCL fibers are disrupted, the tibia may sit slightly farther back relative to the femur, changing joint contact mechanics.<\/li>\n<li>Muscles\u2014especially the <strong>quadriceps<\/strong>\u2014can compensate to some extent by helping control tibial position. The degree of compensation varies by person and rehabilitation status.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Onset, duration, and reversibility (general concepts)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Onset<\/strong> is typically immediate after trauma, often with swelling and discomfort, though symptom intensity varies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Duration<\/strong> depends on injury grade, associated injuries, and functional demands. Some partial injuries improve with time and rehabilitation, while others can leave residual laxity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reversibility<\/strong>: ligament fibers can heal to varying degrees, but the exact amount of restored tension and stability differs across cases. Chronic laxity can contribute to altered loading patterns, which may affect cartilage and meniscus health over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PCL sprain Procedure overview (How it\u2019s applied)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A PCL sprain is not a procedure. It is a clinical diagnosis that is identified through a structured evaluation process and then used to guide management decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A typical high-level workflow includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Evaluation \/ history<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Mechanism of injury (impact, fall, sports contact)\n   &#8211; Symptoms (pain location, swelling, instability, difficulty with activities)\n   &#8211; Prior knee injuries or surgeries<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Physical examination<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Inspection for swelling and bruising\n   &#8211; Range of motion assessment\n   &#8211; Stability testing focused on posterior laxity (commonly the posterior drawer and related tests)\n   &#8211; Screening for other ligament, meniscus, or patellofemoral problems<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Imaging \/ diagnostics (when indicated)<\/strong>\n   &#8211; <strong>X-rays<\/strong> may be used to assess for fracture or avulsion patterns and general alignment.\n   &#8211; <strong>MRI<\/strong> is commonly used to evaluate the PCL and associated soft-tissue injuries (meniscus, cartilage, other ligaments).\n   &#8211; The choice and timing of imaging varies by clinician and case.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Initial management planning<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Determining whether the injury appears isolated or part of a multi-structure injury\n   &#8211; Discussing conservative vs surgical pathways at a general level, based on severity and functional goals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Immediate checks<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Reassessment of neurovascular status and overall knee stability when injury severity is uncertain\n   &#8211; Symptom monitoring, especially if swelling or instability changes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Follow-up and rehabilitation<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Repeat exams to track stability and function\n   &#8211; Progressive rehabilitation emphasizing strength, movement control, and return-to-activity planning (details vary by program and clinician)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types \/ variations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clinicians commonly describe PCL sprain variations in several ways, often combining more than one descriptor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By severity (commonly \u201cgrade\u201d)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lower-grade sprain (mild)<\/strong>: stretching or minor fiber disruption with minimal laxity<\/li>\n<li><strong>Moderate sprain<\/strong>: partial tearing with clearer laxity on exam<\/li>\n<li><strong>High-grade injury<\/strong>: near-complete or complete disruption with substantial laxity (terminology varies; some clinicians reserve \u201csprain\u201d for partial injuries)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By timing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Acute<\/strong>: early period after injury, often with swelling and pain<\/li>\n<li><strong>Subacute\/chronic<\/strong>: ongoing symptoms, sometimes dominated by instability or activity limitation rather than swelling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By pattern<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Isolated PCL sprain<\/strong>: the main injury is the PCL<\/li>\n<li><strong>Combined ligament injury<\/strong>: PCL injury plus ACL, MCL, LCL, or posterolateral corner involvement<\/li>\n<li><strong>PCL with meniscus\/cartilage injury<\/strong>: common in higher-energy trauma, where multiple structures absorb force<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By tissue location and imaging description<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mid-substance<\/strong> PCL injury vs <strong>avulsion-type<\/strong> patterns (where ligament attachment may be involved)<\/li>\n<li>MRI may describe <strong>edema<\/strong>, <strong>fiber discontinuity<\/strong>, or <strong>partial-thickness tearing<\/strong>, with interpretations depending on imaging quality and reader experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By management pathway (broad categories)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Conservative management<\/strong>: rehabilitation, bracing strategies, and functional progression<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surgical management<\/strong>: reconstruction or repair in selected cases, especially with high-grade instability or multi-ligament injury (approach varies by surgeon and case)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Helps <strong>pinpoint the injured structure<\/strong>, improving clarity compared with \u201cknee sprain\u201d as a vague label  <\/li>\n<li>Supports <strong>structured clinical decision-making<\/strong> (exam focus, imaging considerations, follow-up planning)  <\/li>\n<li>Encourages evaluation for <strong>associated injuries<\/strong> when the mechanism suggests higher energy  <\/li>\n<li>Can guide whether the knee problem is more about <strong>stability<\/strong> than isolated pain  <\/li>\n<li>Provides a shared term for communication among orthopedics, PT, athletic training, and imaging teams  <\/li>\n<li>Often allows a <strong>stepwise approach<\/strong> to recovery monitoring, especially in lower-grade injuries  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The word \u201csprain\u201d can <strong>minimize perceived seriousness<\/strong>, even when instability is meaningful  <\/li>\n<li>Severity grading and terminology <strong>vary by clinician and case<\/strong>, which can confuse patients  <\/li>\n<li>Symptoms do not always match imaging findings; some people have laxity with few symptoms, while others have pain with minimal laxity  <\/li>\n<li>A PCL sprain label may <strong>miss the bigger picture<\/strong> if meniscus, cartilage, or posterolateral corner injuries are not recognized  <\/li>\n<li>Chronic PCL-related instability can be <strong>hard to detect<\/strong> without a careful exam and comparison to the other knee  <\/li>\n<li>Management decisions can be complex when there are <strong>multi-ligament injuries<\/strong> or high functional demands  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aftercare &amp; longevity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because a PCL sprain is an injury diagnosis, \u201caftercare and longevity\u201d refers to what commonly influences the course of symptoms, stability, and function over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key factors that can affect outcomes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Injury severity and pattern<\/strong>: lower-grade, isolated injuries often behave differently than high-grade or combined injuries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Associated damage<\/strong>: meniscus tears, cartilage injury, bone bruising, or additional ligament injury can prolong symptoms and change management priorities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rehabilitation participation and progression<\/strong>: outcomes often depend on restoring strength, coordination, and confidence in knee loading (the exact program varies by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bracing decisions<\/strong>: some care plans include braces to support posterior stability during healing and activity; use varies by clinician and case.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Activity demands<\/strong>: outcomes can differ for a sedentary person versus someone returning to cutting\/pivoting sports or heavy labor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Body weight, overall conditioning, and comorbidities<\/strong>: these can influence knee load, recovery tolerance, and performance during rehabilitation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow-up timing<\/strong>: reassessment can help confirm improving stability and identify problems that may need further workup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLongevity\u201d is also influenced by whether any residual laxity changes long-term joint mechanics. The clinical significance of residual laxity varies widely: some people function well, while others notice instability or discomfort with specific activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternatives \/ comparisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since PCL sprain is a diagnosis, alternatives are best understood as <strong>alternative explanations<\/strong>, <strong>alternative management routes<\/strong>, or <strong>comparisons with other common knee injuries<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Observation\/monitoring vs active rehabilitation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Monitoring<\/strong> may be used when symptoms are mild and function is good, especially if exam findings are subtle.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rehabilitation-focused care<\/strong> is commonly used when pain, swelling, strength deficits, or instability affects activity. The choice and intensity of rehab varies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medications vs physical therapy approaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Symptom management sometimes includes medications to reduce pain or inflammation, while rehabilitation addresses strength and movement control. These approaches are often discussed together, with emphasis depending on symptoms and tolerance (details vary by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bracing vs no bracing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bracing may be considered to support the knee and limit posterior sag in some cases.<\/li>\n<li>Some cases do not use a brace, especially when stability is good and symptoms are improving. Selection depends on severity, activity demands, and clinician preference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Injections vs no injections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Injections are not a standard \u201cfix\u201d for ligament laxity; when used, they are typically aimed at symptom relief related to inflammation or other intra-articular pain generators. Whether they are appropriate depends on the broader diagnosis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conservative vs surgical pathways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Conservative management<\/strong> is commonly discussed for isolated, lower-grade injuries with acceptable stability and function.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surgical reconstruction\/repair<\/strong> may be discussed more often for high-grade laxity, persistent functional instability, or multi-ligament injuries. Techniques (arthroscopic vs open, graft types) vary by surgeon and case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PCL sprain vs ACL sprain (common comparison)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ACL injuries are often associated with rotational instability and pivoting problems, while PCL injuries more specifically involve posterior tibial translation.<\/li>\n<li>Both can coexist, and both can be accompanied by meniscus and cartilage injury\u2014so evaluation is typically comprehensive rather than focused on a single ligament.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PCL sprain Common questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What does \u201cPCL sprain\u201d mean in plain language?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt means the PCL, a key stabilizing ligament inside the knee, has been overstretched or partially torn. It is a way of describing a ligament injury that may affect knee stability. The term covers a range of severities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is a PCL sprain the same as a torn PCL?<\/strong><br\/>\nSometimes \u201csprain\u201d is used broadly, but many clinicians use it to indicate a partial injury rather than a complete tear. Grading and wording vary by clinician and case. Imaging and exam findings usually clarify severity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What symptoms are commonly associated with a PCL sprain?<\/strong><br\/>\nSymptoms can include pain (often deep or posterior), swelling, and a feeling that the knee is less stable. Some people notice difficulty with certain activities like deceleration or downhill movement. Symptoms vary depending on injury grade and other injured structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How is a PCL sprain diagnosed?<\/strong><br\/>\nDiagnosis typically combines the injury story (mechanism), a focused knee exam, and imaging when needed. MRI is commonly used to evaluate the PCL and related structures. X-rays may be used when fracture or avulsion is a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Does a PCL sprain require surgery?<\/strong><br\/>\nNot always. Many cases are managed without surgery, particularly when the injury is isolated and stability is acceptable. Surgery is more commonly discussed when instability is significant, when there are multiple ligament injuries, or when symptoms persist despite appropriate rehabilitation\u2014decisions vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is anesthesia used for PCL sprain care?<\/strong><br\/>\nA diagnosis and routine evaluation do not require anesthesia. If surgery is chosen, anesthesia is part of the operative plan, and the type depends on the procedure and anesthesia team. Non-surgical care typically does not involve anesthesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How long does recovery take?<\/strong><br\/>\nTimeframes vary widely based on severity, associated injuries, and activity demands. Some people improve over weeks, while others require longer rehabilitation and monitoring. Return-to-activity planning is usually based on function and stability rather than time alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Will I be able to drive or work with a PCL sprain?<\/strong><br\/>\nThis depends on which knee is affected, symptom level, range of motion, strength, and job demands. Driving and work decisions are often individualized to safety and function, and may change during recovery. Clinicians commonly reassess these issues over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Can you put weight on the leg after a PCL sprain?<\/strong><br\/>\nWeight-bearing expectations vary by clinician and case, especially if other injuries are present. Some people can bear weight early with modifications, while others may need restrictions. The presence of fracture, multi-ligament injury, or significant swelling can change the plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How much does evaluation and treatment typically cost?<\/strong><br\/>\nCosts vary by region, facility, insurance coverage, imaging needs, and whether surgery is involved. A simple clinical visit differs from care that includes MRI, bracing, formal rehabilitation, or operative management. Billing and coverage details are best clarified through the treating facility and insurer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A PCL sprain is an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) inside the knee. It means the PCL has been stretched or partially torn, rather than completely ruptured. Clinicians use this term when describing knee instability or pain after trauma or sports. It is commonly discussed in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy settings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2299","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>PCL sprain: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Knee Hospitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kneehospitals.com\/blog\/pcl-sprain-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"PCL sprain: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Knee Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A PCL sprain is an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) inside the knee. It means the PCL has been stretched or partially torn, rather than completely ruptured. Clinicians use this term when describing knee instability or pain after trauma or sports. 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