You my friend are the only other person I have read about (on the message boards) who has a torn PCL. I tore mine two years ago while wakeboarding. My doctor advised me against surgery. He says that surgery can never get the PCL as strong as it was before. Therefore, the risk of invasive surgery is not worth it for such little gain. He said, however, that if I were to tear my ACL as well then they would attempt to repair my PCL while they were in there. I wear a Don Joy brace while I ride. With the brace on I have very little problems with my knee. However, my knee does hurt quite a bit afterwards though. Without the PCL to keep everything in place my bones try to rub against each other on each landing. The cartilage is there inbetween the bones to cushion the blow, but with each jump, each, year, the cartilage is slowly wearing away. My doctor told me that in 15-20 years I will need a knee replacement. I'm sure wakeboarding isn't helping to slow down that process. I have never worn the CTI brace, but I hear they are very good braces. Unlike the theory about braces becoming a pyschological crutch after ACL repair, you will definitely need a brace for a torn PCL. Without my brace I cannot even jog lightly without the lower part of my leg falling behind my thigh. It's very painful.I pretty much need my brace for any type of sports activity that requires anything more than walking. It sucks, but that's the price you pay for the sports you love. Good luck! - Richard
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