Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury
is a partial or complete tear of the ligament in the back of your knee. The PCL connects the tibia (shin bone) to the femur (thigh bone). The PCL stops the tibia from sliding too far backward or forward and keeps the knee stable.
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Common signs and symptoms:
Unlike other ligament injuries, you will not hear a pop, snap, or tear when your PCL is injured. You may not have any signs or symptoms, or you may have any of the following:
- Sudden swelling or pain at the back of your knee
- Pain when you kneel
- Knee that gives way, causing a slight limp
- Pain when you run, or when you walk up or down steps
Seek care immediately if:
- Your toes are cold or numb.
- Your knee becomes more weak or unstable.
- Your pain has increased or returned, even after you take your pain medicine.
- Your swelling has increased or returned.
Call your doctor if:
- Your symptoms are not getting better.
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment:
You may only need physical therapy and supportive devices if your PCL injury is mild. You may need surgery if you have a PCL tear or damage to other knee ligaments. You may need any of the following:
- A support device such as a splint or knee brace helps limit movement and protects your knee. You may need to use crutches to help decrease your pain as you move around.
- Medicines:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Surgery may be needed. A PCL tear may be repaired by reattaching the torn ligament. You may need reconstruction if your PCL cannot be repaired. Your PCL can be replaced with tissue taken from another part of your body, or from a donor.
- Physical therapy may recommended. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Rest:
Rest your knee as much as possible so that it can heal. Return to normal activities as directed.
Support devices:
You may need a splint or knee brace to limit your movement and protect your knee. You may need to use crutches to help decrease your pain as you move around.
Go to physical therapy as directed:
A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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