Sports Knee Injuries / The Knee
PCL Tear
The incidence of a PCL injury is less than that of the ACL. This is mainly due to the greater thickness and strength of the PCL. Nevertheless, the most common way in which the PCL is injured is by direct impact to the front of the tibia, usually when the knee is bent. This may occur during a front-on collision or when falling with the knee bent. The PCL can also be injured by a direct impact from the outside of the knee joint, such as those that occur during soccer or football.
Symptoms of a PCL tear can vary relative to the amount of instability in the knee. Swelling will usually be noted in the back of the knee and bruising may become evident 24-36 hours after the injury in the same area, possibly extending down the calf. The other major symptoms of a PCL tear include acute pain, swelling and chronic instability.