Sports Medicine

PCL Tear

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is about two inches long and connects the femur to the tibia at the back of the knee. It limits the backward or posterior motion of the tibia (shinbone). Twisting or overextending the knee can cause the PCL to tear, leaving the knee unstable and potentially unable to support a person's full body weight.

The PCL is the strongest ligament in the knee, and tears often are associated with traumatic injuries rather than sports injuries. PCL tears can happen when the knee is violently forced backward or when the front of the shin is hit hard, for example when the knee strikes the dashboard during a car accident. Since PCL tears usually result from a violent blow to the knee, they are often accompanied by injuries to other knee ligaments. Although rare, PCL tears can occur when playing rugby, football or other contact sports.

Symptoms of a PCL tear can vary; the most obvious include pain, swelling and a feeling of unsteadiness in the knee.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007