Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Related Ligaments

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a central stabilizer of the knee that prevents posterior motion in both full extension and 90 degrees of flexion. It is embryologically present by 6 weeks of gestation [5]. The ligament is composed of 2 bundles (with one article suggesting that there are 3). Its blood supply is from the middle geniculate. Scapinelli confirmed this with his autopsy dissections and contrast injections. There is minimal supply from the bone origin or insertion [55]. Schutte et al. identified mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings that account for motion, speed, acceleration, and pain reception. The innervations account for proprioception [56]. The double bundle structure enables the ligament to stabilize the knee throughout the range of motion [94].