What is a Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury?

What Causes a Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury?

A dashboard impact against a bent knee or landing directly on the knee in football and basketball can strain this ligament. Twisting may injure it together with other stabilizers. The severity and associated cartilage or meniscus damage are assessed during examination.

Symptoms

• Pain deep in or behind the knee immediately after the injury
• Swelling and reduced bending during the first hours
• A backward shift or instability when walking downhill or using stairs
• Leg fatigue and lack of confidence on longer walks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a posterior cruciate ligament tear heal without surgery?

Isolated partial injuries can often regain good function with a brace, strength work and movement retraining. Complete tears, marked laxity or combined ligament damage may lead to surgical discussion. MRI shows the ligament, while activity goals and the physical examination guide the final decision.