This article is for general education and does not replace an in-person assessment, examination, or imaging. Everyone's injury pattern, medical history, and goals differ; use what you read here to prepare better questions for your doctor.
Dr. Nitin N Sunku is a consultant orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon. He sees patients at Raghava Multispeciality Hospital, Attibele, on Sarjapura–Attibele Road, and at Health Nest Hospital, HSR Layout, Bengaluru. If pain is rapidly worsening, you cannot bear weight, you develop numbness or weakness in a limb, or you have fever after an injury, seek urgent medical care. For non-emergency evaluation and individualised treatment options, book through the contact page.
Topics across this blog include knee ligament and meniscus problems, shoulder pain and instability, hip and knee arthritis, fracture recovery principles, spine symptoms when urgent causes have been excluded, running and tendon overuse issues, and what to expect from arthroscopy or joint replacement discussions. If you are comparing sources online, cross-check dates and always confirm advice with an in-person clinician.
A posterior cruciate ligament tear affects one of the main ligaments that stabilizes the knee.
A posterior cruciate ligament tear affects one of the main ligaments that stabilizes the knee.
The PCL helps keep the shinbone from moving backward and supports knee balance during walking, bending, and sudden movements.
When this ligament is injured, the knee may feel unstable and painful, especially during weight bearing activities.
Causes of a PCL Tear
- Direct impact to the knee: A strong blow to the front of the knee, often during sports or accidents, can push the shinbone backward and injure the PCL.
- Sports strain: High-impact sports such as football, basketball, and tennis place repeated stress on the knee, increasing the risk of meniscus damage. Athletes with combined injuries often require both ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair for full knee stability.
- Falling on a bent knee: Landing hard on a flexed knee can strain or tear the ligament.
- Sudden twisting movements: Quick changes in direction during sports can overload the ligament.
- Motor vehicle injuries: A sudden force from the dashboard hitting the knee can cause a PCL tear.
- Severe hyperextension: Stretching the knee too far backward may damage the ligament.
PCL tears may cause swelling, pain, and difficulty walking or bending the knee.
Early evaluation helps prevent long term instability.For accurate diagnosis and treatment, visit Dr. Nitin N Sunku, Orthopedic Doctor and Sports Medicine Specialist at Health Nest Hospital, HSR Layout, Bengaluru.
About the Author
Dr. Nitin N Sunku
MBBS, MS (Orthopedics), Fellowship in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine
Dr. Nitin N Sunku is a Consultant Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Surgeon with over 10 years of focused practice in Bengaluru. He serves as the Team Doctor for Bengaluru FC and consults at Raghava Multispeciality Hospital (Attibele) and Health Nest Hospital (HSR Layout). His clinical interests include arthroscopy, ligament & meniscus care, regenerative orthopedic medicine, ultrasound-guided injections, and joint replacement.
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