Anatomy of the posterior cruciate ligament. A review

Abstract

PCL injuries are major injuries of the knee. Most of the literature on PCL injury has focused on mechanism of injury, diagnosis, and treatment. We are presenting a review of the anatomy of the PCL. Different portions of the PCL are taut at different degrees of knee flexion and extension. The PCL, thus, along with the ACL, contributes to the "screwhome mechanism" of the knee. The anatomy of the meniscofemoral ligaments (ligaments of Wrisberg and Humphrey) reveals the intimate relationship among the PCL, the popliteus muscle, and the lateral meniscus. Understanding the anatomy of the PCL is important in the diagnosis and treatment of ligamentous injuries and also in total knee arthroplasty.