Abstract
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) consists of two functional bundles, an anterolateral bundle, and a posterolateral bundle. In general, the anterolateral bundle is taut in knee flexion, and the posteromedial bundle is taut during knee extension. The major function of the PCL is to resist posterior tibial translation relative to the femur, however, it also acts as a secondary restraint to resist varus, valgus, and external rotation in association with posterolateral corner complex.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Anderson CJ, Ziegler CG, Wijdicks CA, Engebretsen L, LaPrade RF. Arthroscopically pertinent anatomy of the anterolateral and posteromedial bundles of the posterior cruciate ligament. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;94(21):1936–45.
Edwards A, Bull AM, Amis AA. The attachments of the fiber bundles of the posterior cruciate ligament: an anatomic study. Arthroscopy. 2007;23(3):284–90.
Johannsen AM, Anderson CJ, Wijdicks CA, Engebretsen L, LaPrade RF. Radiographic landmarks for tunnel positioning in posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41(1):35–42.
Katonis PG, Assimakopoulos AP, Agapitos MV, Exarchou EI. Mechanoreceptors in the posterior cruciate ligament. Histologic study on cadaver knees. Acta Orthop Scand. 1991;62:276–8.
Schultz RA, Miller DC, Kerr CS, Micheli L. Mechanoreceptors in human cruciate ligaments. A histological study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1984;66:1072–6.
Kennedy JC, Alexander IJ, Hayes KC. Nerve supply of the human knee and its functional importance. Am J Sports Med. 1982;10:329–35.
Butler DL, Noyes FR, Grood ES. Ligamentous restraints to anterior-posterior drawer in the human knee: a biomechanical study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1980;62:259–70.
Race A, Amis AA. Loading of the two bundles of the posterior cruciate ligament: an analysis of bundle function in A-P drawer. J Biomech. 1996;29:873–9.
Butler DL, Noyes FR, Grood ES. Ligamentous restraints to anterior-posterior drawer in the human knee. A biomechanical study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1980;62:259–70.
Gollehon DL, Torzilli PA, Warren RF. The role of the posterolateral and cruciate ligaments in the stability of the human knee. A biomechanical study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1987;69:233–42.
Grood ES, Stowers SF, Noyes FR. Limits of movement in the human knee. Effect of sectioning the posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral structures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1988;70:88–97.
Skyhar MJ, Warren RF, Ortiz GJ, et al. The effects of sectioning of the posterior cruciate ligament and the posterolateral complex on the articular contact pressures within the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1993;75:694–9.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2021 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Seon, J. (2021). Anatomy and Function of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament . In: Kim, J.G. (eds) Knee Arthroscopy. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8191-5_13
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8191-5_13
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-15-8190-8
Online ISBN: 978-981-15-8191-5
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)