Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

Causes  |  Symptoms  |  Treatment Options

What Is A Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)?

The posterior cruciate ligament is an important ligament in the middle of the knee which helps stabilise the knee during movement.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)?

Patients with a torn posterior cruciate ligament may feel that the knee is unstable and may often give way, especially when descending a flight of stairs or when trying to stop when running.

One may also experience pain over the front of the knee due to excessive pressure on the kneecap.

What Are The Treatment Options Available For A Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)?

Most patients with PCL tears do well with physiotherapy to strengthen the knee. In cases where the knee is still unstable or painful despite physiotherapy, surgery may be required.

This is usually in the form of a PCL reconstruction. PCL reconstruction is a keyhole surgery to replace the torn PCL with a new one. Some patients may be amenable to a keyhole PCL repair if the injury is detected early enough.