Acronym

PCL - Posterior Cruciate Ligament

Posterior Cruciate Ligament

Ligament preventing posterior tibial translation at knee

Expansion

Posterior Cruciate Ligament

Purpose

Assess for tear (posterior drawer test)

Clinical Context

Posterior cruciate ligament tear: isolated posterior cruciate ligament tears often managed conservatively. Assess for posterolateral corner (posterolateral corner) injury which changes management.

  • Anterior cruciate ligament
  • Knee stability

Key Points

  • Posterior cruciate ligament tear less common than anterior cruciate ligament; posterior drawer positive if posterior cruciate ligament intact