Citation

Logterman SL, Wydra FB, Frank RM. Curr. Rev. Musculoskelet. Med. 2018; 11(3): 510-514.

Affiliation

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 2631 E. 17th Avenue, Mail Stop B202, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. rachel.frank@ucdenver.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s12178-018-9492-1

PMID

29855794

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to present an in-depth look at the most recent literature regarding pertinent posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) anatomy and biomechanics. RECENT FINDINGS: The PCL is an important restraint of posterior tibial translation relative to the femur. In addition, the PCL acts as a secondary restraint to resist varus, valgus, and external rotation moments about the knee. While less common than ACL injuries, injuries to the PCL can occur from a posterior force directed on the tibia, most common with the knee in a flexed position. The PCL is composed of two functional bundles and has important implications for knee stability. The anterolateral and posteromedial bundles have different patterns of tensioning throughout knee range of motion. The two bundles therefore contribute to resisting posterior tibial translation and rotation at different angles of knee flexion.

Language: en

Keywords

Anatomy; Anterolateral bundle; Biomechanics; PCL; Posterior cruciate ligament; Posteromedial bundle