What does a PCL tear feel like?

Common symptoms

• Pain or aching behind the knee or deep inside the joint
• Swelling that is usually less than after an ACL tear, sometimes appearing over the first day
• Pain or discomfort when kneeling, including on a prayer mat or floor
• A feeling that the shin is sliding backwards or the knee is not quite secure when walking down stairs, slopes or decelerating
• Stiffness and difficulty fully bending the knee in the first weeks
• Tiredness or aching at the front of the knee and kneecap later on, as the shin sits slightly back

How it typically happens

The PCL is usually injured by a direct blow to the front of the shin with the knee bent, as when the knee hits a car dashboard, or by falling onto a bent knee with the foot pointed, as in football, rugby or a fall on a hard floor. A sharp backward bend of the knee can also injure it.

Signs it may be more than a PCL tear

• Marked instability when standing or turning
• Pain and swelling on the outer side of the knee, which can mean a posterolateral corner injury
• Numbness or weakness in the foot
• A cold or pale foot, which needs emergency care

Combined injuries are more common after road accidents and high-energy falls and need prompt assessment.

When to be seen

Book a knee assessment within one to two weeks if pain, swelling or unsteadiness persist after a fall or blow to the front of the knee. At Aman Hospital in Doha, Dr. Gelber examines the knee with specific PCL tests and arranges an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and check other structures.