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PCL Injury; Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 3 min read

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a tough tissue structure with a high tensile strength that essentially controls the positioning of the tibia and the femur. Besides connecting the bones, it stabilizes the knee joint while it rotates in different directions. Any tear or stress in this ligament is termed as PCL injury.

It is not a common condition and generally occurs in combination with other ligament injuries and cartilage damages. PCL injury can vary in degree from a mild stretch to complete tear of the ligament, with a piece of the bone being dethatched along with the tissue structure. Sportsperson who indulge in football, soccer, skiing etc. are at a higher risk of ligament injuries.

Causes

  • Falling on a flexed knee
  • Direct injury or trauma to the shin bone (tibia)
  • Vehicular accidents in which the legs are crushed against the dashboard

Symptoms

  • Mild or sharp knee pain, depending on the grade of injury
  • Swelling and tenderness in the joint
  • Unstable knee joint
  • Inability to walk, stand or bear body weight

Diagnosis

  • The knee specialist may inquire about mode of injury, symptoms as well as the medical history
  • A device called arthrometer may be used to check ligament strength or tightness
  • The patient may be asked to lie on his back while bending the knees. The upper portion of the shin bone is examined through palpation which helps to confirm PCL injury
  • Analysis of the gait
  • X-ray imaging to check for bone damage, if any
  • MRI or CT scan to locate the exact point of tear/stress to the ligament
  • Bone scan may be required in case of chronic PCL injuries. Both the legs are compared to reach a diagnosis
  • The doctor may check for fluid retention or internal bleeding within the joint that may cause pressure to build up
  • Arthroscopy may be used to get a better view of the joint

Treatment

  • Rest the injured knee and avoid any weight bearing or activity that may cause stress
  • Use of ice packs may reduce pain and swelling
  • Slight compression may be applied
  • Keep the leg elevated at chest level while resting
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed for immediate relief
  • Physical therapy may be helpful in stabilizing the joint, aiding in recovery and strengthening
  • A crutch or a knee brace may be used for supporting the affected joint
  • Surgery may be recommended in high grade injuries which do not respond to conservative methods. If a piece of bone is detached along with the ligament, it may be surgically fastened using pins and screws
  • Torn PCL ligament is surgically replaced by a part of tissue extracted from a donor or by using tissues from the patient’s body (thigh or heel)
  • Minor tissue injuries can be corrected using an arthroscope which enables correction through minor incisions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.