The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is one of the main stabilizing ligaments of the knee, controlling backward movement of the shin bone relative to the thigh bone. A tear is a partial or complete rupture of this ligament.
Most commonly caused by a direct blow to the front of the shin with the knee bent — a classic "dashboard injury" in car accidents — or a fall directly onto a bent knee in sports.
Pain and swelling behind the knee, a vague sense of instability (often less dramatic than an ACL tear), and difficulty with activities like descending stairs or decelerating while running.
Isolated, lower-grade PCL tears often do well with physical therapy focused on quadriceps strengthening and bracing. More severe tears, or PCL tears combined with other ligament injuries, generally require surgical reconstruction to restore stability.
Think you might have this condition? An accurate diagnosis starts with an exam — schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomson.
Schedule a ConsultThis page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every injury is different — always consult Dr. Thomson or another qualified physician for a personalized evaluation.