Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury

What is a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury?

The PCL is the strongest ligament in the knee. It connects the bones of the upper and lower leg together and keeps the bones stable. The ligament can become sprained, pulled, torn or ruptured.

What are the different types of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries?

• Grade I – this mild injury can include a PCL sprain/pull, or tiny tears that can occur in part of the ligament (partial tear). The ligament may be stretched out of shape, but it can typically still hold the knee joint stable and support weight.
• Grade II – this moderate injury includes a partial tear; the knee is less stable and can give out while walking or standing.
• Grade III – this severe injury happens when the whole ligament is torn apart (complete tear); the ligament may come loose from the bone and the knee is unstable.