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[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Knee](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

# PCL Injury

A PCL injury is a tear of the [posterior cruciate ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-cruciate-ligament/) inside the knee, often from hitting a car dashboard or falling onto a bent knee.

Updated 2026-10-23

## Structures involved

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [PCL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-cruciate-ligament/)
- [Popliteofibular ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/popliteofibular-ligament/)
- [ACL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/anterior-cruciate-ligament/)

## In the clinical exam

- [Lachman test and anterior drawer](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/lachman-test-and-anterior-drawer/)

## Why it happens

- [Connective tissue proper: cells and fibres](https://durgical.com/en/histology/connective-tissue-proper-cells-and-fibres/)

## What it is

Tear of the posterior cruciate ligament, most often from a dashboard injury or fall onto a flexed knee.

## Symptoms and signs

- Posterior knee pain
- Mild swelling
- Instability when descending stairs

## Diagnosis

**Clinical**
Posterior drawer and sag tests

**Imaging**
MRI

## Treatment

**Rehabilitation**
Most isolated PCL injuries are treated with physical therapy.

**Surgical**
Reconstruction for combined injuries or symptomatic grade 3 tears.

## Related conditions

- [Hip dislocation](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hip-dislocation/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Posterior Cruciate Ligament Knee Injuries](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430726/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/pcl-injury/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/pcl-injury/