Key points about posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries
- PCL injuries occur when the posterior cruciate ligament in the knee stretches or breaks, often from a direct trauma to a bent knee.
- Symptoms of a PCL injury include pain and swelling in the knee, trouble walking, and a feeling of instability when bearing weight on the affected knee.
- PCL injuries are generally treated with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy and in some cases, surgery.
Overview
The posterior cruciate ligament is an important ligament in the knee that connects the shinbone to the thighbone.
PCL injuries are relatively rare. When they do occur, they are often accompanied by damage to other ligaments in the knee. PCL injuries often result from a trauma to the knee while the knee is bent, such as falling in a football tackle, or hitting your knee against the dashboard in a road accident.
Treatment for a PCL injury generally involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medicines, and physical therapy. Some cases may require surgery.
Call your doctor if you have persistent knee pain, swelling and trouble walking following a trauma to the knee.
PCL injury causes
PCL injuries occur when a blow to the knee causes the posterior cruciate ligament to stretch or break. Oftentimes, this stretching or breaking is caused by a trauma that hits the knee while in a bent position. Events that can cause this sort of trauma may include:
- Falling on a bent knee
- Direct blow to the front of the knee (e.g., hitting your knee on the dashboard of your car during a road accident)
- Hyperextension injuries
- Sports-related trauma or twisting motion
PCL injuries can also occur while playing sports such as baseball, soccer, football or skiing.
PCL injury risk factors
You may be at an increased risk of experiencing a PCL injury if you have:
- Participated in contact or high-speed sports
- Inadequate strength or flexibility in leg musculature
- A history of knee ligament injuries
- Been involved in accidents involving sudden, intense knee impacts
- Poor joint stability or coordinatio
PCL injury symptoms
The main symptom of a PCL injury is pain in the knee that may be mild or intense. This pain may be accompanied by:
- Pain behind the knee, especially with movement
- Knee swelling that develops within hours of impact
- Trouble walking or putting weight on the leg
- A feeling of instability or wobbling when bearing weight on the affected knee
- Limited ability to fully extend the knee
PCL injury complications
A PCL injury may increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis in the affected knee.
PCL injury diagnosis
When assessing a possible PCL injury, your doctor will examine the affected knee and ask about the event that caused your injury. They may order:
- Imaging tests such as an MRI scan or X-ray
- Clinical tests to evaluate knee laxity and movement
PCL injury treatment
After a PCL injury you should rest the affected leg, ice the injured area, and avoid activities that cause pain. Your doctor may also advise you to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to manage pain and swelling, and to follow a specific physical therapy and rehabilitation regimen.
If other ligaments in your knee are damaged in addition to the PCL, surgery may be required.
When to seek care
Call your doctor if:
- Pain is severe or worsening
- Swelling increases
- Bearing weight on your knee worsens
- Symptoms worsen over time
- You have trouble walking following a trauma to the knee
Next Steps
Your doctor will assess your PCL injury and set up a treatment plan accordingly.