ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

What is posterior cruciate ligament injury?

21 November 2025

A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury is damage to the PCL that causes a tear or sprain. The PCL is a band of tissue in the center of the knee joint that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone).

The main function of the PCL is to provide stability to the knee when it moves forward or backward.

A PCL injury can be caused by:

  • Hitting a bent knee in a car accident.
  • Running and suddenly stopping with a bent knee.
  • Excessive extension of the knee joint.
  • Playing contact sports like soccer, basketball, or American football where you might get hit on a bent knee.
  • Jumping and landing awkwardly with a bent knee.
  • A dislocation of the knee joint.

A PCL injury often doesn’t happen in isolation; it usually occurs along with injuries to the menisci or other knee ligaments. This can make the situation more complicated and slow down recovery.

Signs and symptoms Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

  • Moderate pain at the time of the injury.
  • Numbness and stiffness in the knee.
  • Inability to continue with the sports activity.
  • Intense pain when bearing weight on the affected leg.
  • Swelling of the knee.
  • Movement problems.
  • Instability.
  • Difficulty walking.

One of the risks of a PCL injury is developing arthritis or osteoarthritis in the knee over time.

Diagnosis and treatment Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

After an orthopedist analyzes your symptoms and medical history, they will perform a physical examination of the knee to check for swelling, pain, and assess the joint’s movement and function.

They may also request imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis, such as:

  • Ultrasound.
  • X-rays.
  • MRI.

Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury, but usually includes:

  • Rest.
  • Cold compresses.
  • Painkillers.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Surgery in severe cases.
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center, we aim to improve the lives of patients with musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in caring for the locomotor system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Related centers and departments Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Orthopedics and Traumatology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • orthoinfo.aaos.org
  • wnyurology.com
  • mayoclinic.com
  • topdoctors.es
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medlineplus.gov
  • medigraphic.com
  • Álvarez LA, García LYC. Lesiones del ligamento cruzado posterior. AMC. 2017;21(6):806-816.
  • Vidal RFA, Barrera GM, González RF, et al. Reconstrucción abierta del ligamento cruzado posterior asistida por artroscopía. Acta Ortop Mex. 2000 Mar-Abr;14(2):164-166.
  • Domínguez GLG, Domínguez CLG. Fractura avulsión de la inserción distal del ligamento cruzado posterior tipo II. Acta Med. 2024;22(1):69-70. doi:10.35366/114599.

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    Ricardo Ostos

    Ricardo Ostos

    Content Creator

    Ricardo can convey complex medical information in an accessible and friendly way so that all of our patients can understand and benefit from it. In addition, he has an empathetic approach, offering information and practical advice that really makes a difference in people's lives. #lifebringsustogether.

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