PCL injury: key points to understand

The posterior cruciate ligament limits backward movement of the shin relative to the thigh. Assessment may include the injury mechanism, walking pattern, range of motion, tenderness, and specific stability tests. Imaging can help show the ligament and reveal bone, cartilage, or other ligament problems. A mild isolated injury may behave differently from a combined injury, so an online description or a single test cannot choose treatment for everyone.

Until assessed, reduce activities that involve running, jumping, kneeling, or deep squats. Use only the support and pain relief advised for you. Rehabilitation commonly progresses from swelling control and gentle motion to quadriceps strengthening, balance work, and task-specific drills. A knee brace may help selected people during healing, while Physiotherapy can tailor loading and monitor control.

Book an orthopaedic or sports-medicine assessment when knee instability, swelling, or difficulty walking follows trauma. Get urgent help for a visibly displaced knee, rapidly worsening swelling, inability to move the leg, or new numbness, weakness, coldness, or colour change in the foot.

Ask whether the PCL is the only injured structure, what stability goal is being used, which brace or exercises are suitable now, and what signs mean your plan needs review.