What is PCL?

PCL is another central ligament of the knee which is inside the joint.

The PCL — similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — connects the thigh bone (femur) to your shin bone (tibia). Although it is larger and stronger than the ACL, the PCL can be torn.

PCL tears make up less than 20% of injuries to knee ligaments. Injuries that tear the PCL often damage some of the other ligaments or cartilage in the knee, as well. In some cases, the ligament can also break loose a piece of underlying bone.

How do I get my PCL torn?

PCL injuries are often due to a blow to the knee while it’s bent. Common causes include:

• Striking the knee against the dashboard during an auto accident
• Falling on the knee while it’s bent

Sports are a common cause of PCL injury. These injuries are especially common in:

• Football
• Soccer
• Baseball

What are the symptoms of PCL injury?

• Pain. Mild to moderate pain in the knee can cause a slight limp or difficulty walking.
• Swelling. Knee swelling occurs rapidly, within hours of the injury.
• Instability. Your knee may feel loose, as if it’s going to give way.

Signs and symptoms can be so mild that you might not even notice anything wrong. Over time, the pain may worsen and your knee may feel more unstable. If other parts of the knee have also been injured, your signs and symptoms will likely be more severe.

• Diagnoses, treatment and recovery is more or less similar like ACL that you can discuss with your doctor.
• Rehabilitation after PCL reconstruction is little slower as compared to ACL reconstruction surgery