This ligament is located in the centre of the knee. It is the back (posterior) of the 2 cruciate ligaments of the knee.
The PCL function is to stop the tibia (shin bone) moving too far back on the femur (thigh bone). Injury can be by direct contact / indirect contact
Diagnosis
- History & Clinical examination
- An X-ray is usually required to exclude any boney injury
- MRI scan may be required to confirm the diagnosis
- Diagnostic arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery is occasionally required usually in partial tears of the PCL
Treatment
The available options demand on the injured individual and what their functional requirements are.
- Non-operative treatment includes physiotherapy and on occasions bracing
- Operative treatment involves arthroscopic (keyhole) / open reconstruction of the PCL
See PCL Reconstruction