A ligament is composed of connective tissue that attaches two bones. The four ligaments that provide the main source of stability in the knee are the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL).

The PCL attaches to the rear surface of the shin bone (tibia), runs between the menisci to the front end of the thigh bone (femur). The PCL stabilizes the knee by maintaining the position of the tibia below the femur as it limits the amount of backward motion of the tibia. The PCL also prevents excessive internal rotation. When the PCL is damaged the sensation of the knee ‘giving out’ is common.

What causes it?

Injuries to the PCL can occur as a result of a hard blow to the front of the knee, a fall on a bent knee and/or a sudden twist.

What does treatment involve? (may include 1 or all of the following)

• RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
• Physiotherapy
• Surgery
• Brace – Recommended Braces