Torn PCL treatment: what to know

The posterior cruciate ligament helps limit backward movement of the shin relative to the thigh. A tear can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, or a feeling that the knee is not reliable, especially on stairs or when changing direction. The injury may occur alone or with damage to other ligaments, cartilage, or bone. Examination and imaging help define the pattern, but treatment is chosen from the whole knee picture rather than the scan alone.

Many treatment plans begin with swelling control, a brace when appropriate, and physiotherapy to restore motion and build the quadriceps and surrounding support. A [Knee Bracing](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/knee-bracing/) plan may help protect the knee during healing. [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) can progress from controlled movement to strength, balance, and task-specific training. Surgery may be discussed when instability remains, several structures are injured, or the person’s goals require a more stable knee. Do not test the knee with pivoting or contact activity before clearance.

Arrange prompt assessment after a knee injury with significant swelling, inability to bear weight, locking, or repeated giving way. Seek urgent help for a deformed knee, a foot that is cold or pale, new numbness or weakness, severe calf swelling, or breathlessness. During recovery, worsening pain, increasing instability, or loss of movement warrants an earlier review rather than pushing through exercises.

Ask whether the PCL tear is isolated, how stable the knee is, and whether another structure is injured. Discuss brace use, exercise limits, rehabilitation milestones, work and driving needs, and the reasons surgery might or might not be considered.