Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury involves damage to one of the main stabilising ligaments in the knee. The PCL sits at the back of the knee and helps prevent the shin bone (tibia) from moving too far backwards relative to the thigh bone.

PCL injuries typically occur following a direct impact to the front of the knee, such as a fall onto a bent knee, a collision in contact sport, or a “dashboard injury” in a road traffic accident. They are less common than ACL injuries and are often associated with other knee injuries.

PCL injuries are graded by severity:

• Grade I – mild sprain with minimal instability
• Grade II – partial tear with some looseness in the knee
• Grade III – complete rupture with significant instability
   

Common symptoms include:

• Pain at the back of the knee
• Swelling and stiffness
• Difficulty with walking, running, or descending stairs
• A feeling of knee instability, particularly with weight-bearing

Physiotherapy management focuses on:

• Reducing pain and swelling
• Restoring knee range of motion
• Strengthening the quadriceps and surrounding muscles
• Improving balance, control, and knee stability
• Supporting a safe return to sport or daily activities