Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Their Surgical Implications

  • Christopher G. Stevens
  • Keith Jarbo
  • Kostas Economopoulos
  • Anikar Chhabra
Chapter
First Online:

Abstract

The knowledge and understanding of the complex anatomy and biomechanical function of the native posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is vitally important when evaluating PCL injury and possible reconstruction. The PCL has important relationships with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), menisci, tibial spines, ligament of Humphrey, ligament of Wrisberg, and the posterior neurovascular structures. Through numerous and various experimental designs, the biomechanical role of the PCL has been elucidated. The PCL has its most well-defined role as a primary restraint/stabilizer to posterior stress and it appears this role is greatest at higher degrees of knee flexion. The natural history of high-grade deficiency leads to increased contact pressures and degeneration of both the medial and patellofemoral compartments. There is still considerable debate regarding whether high-level athletes can return to sports at the same level with conservative treatment of a high-grade PCL tear, and whether greater laxity in the knee correlates with decreased subjective and objective outcomes. Poor surgical outcomes after PCL reconstruction have been attributed to many factors, the most common of which include: additional intraarticular pathology, poor fixation methods, insufficient knowledge of PCL anatomy, improper tunnel placement, and poor surgical candidates.

Keywords

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) Anatomy MRI Biomechanics Strength Translation Patellofemoral Degeneration Proprioception 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  • Christopher G. Stevens
    • 1
  • Keith Jarbo
    • 2
  • Kostas Economopoulos
    • 3
  • Anikar Chhabra
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
  1. 1.Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic SurgeryBanner Good Samaritan Medical CenterPhoenixUSA
  2. 2.Orthopaedic SurgeryBanner Good Samaritan Medical CenterPhoenixUSA
  3. 3.The Orthopedic Clinic AssociationPhoenixUSA
  4. 4.The Orthopedic Clinic AssociationPhoenixUSA
  5. 5.Orthopedics Sports MedicineBanner Good Samaritan Orthopedic ResidencyPhoenixUSA
  6. 6.Orthopedic SurgeryArizona State UniversityPhoenixUSA

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