The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) prevents the shin bone (tibia) from traveling backwards on the thigh bone (femur). A PCL injury is less common than injuries to other knee ligaments, and it is normally injured by a direct blow to the front of the tibia, such as getting tackled while playing football or rugby or when falling forward.
The symptoms of a PCL injury include pain at the moment of impact, which may spread to the calf. There is usually minor swelling and joint instability. When the knee is bent at a 90 degree angle and force is applied, a specialist is able to examine the amount of backward tibial displacement, which determines the severity of the injury.
Following a PCL injury, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) should be applied. A specialist will perform several tests to diagnose the injury and then determine treatment. Oftentimes the injury can be treated with ice and heat treatments, along with a rehabilitation strengthening program. A small number of PCL injuries require surgery.
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