Posterior cruciate ligament injury

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the major restraint of backwards movement of the shin bone (tibia) on the thigh bone (femur). It is a very large ligament and is a major stabiliser of the knee. A blow to the shin while the knee is flexed or a hyperextension injury can cause a PCL rupture.

Not all isolated PCL ruptures require reconstruction due to the fact that “secondary” restraints can compensate for it’s loss but if other structures in the knee are damaged as well, reconstruction may be necessary.