Posterior cruciate ligament injury

Anatomy & Mechanics:

• orientated vertically

• blends with post horn lateral meniscus

• prevents post translation of tibia on femur & prevents hyperextension

• Secondary constraints are: posterolateral complex & MCL.

• Twice as strong as ACL:

  1. larger cross-sectional area

  2. higher tensile strength

  3. located closer to the central axis of the knee joint

Mechanism of Injury:

• Direct blow causing posterior displacement of tibia in a flexed knee

• Hyperextension injury

Site of Injury:

• Femoral avulsions in 25%

• Tibial Avulsions in 25%

• Midsubstance tears in 50%

Associated Injuries: