PCL injuries usually result from trauma, such as a car accident, or from sports. PCL injuries often happen when a force strikes the front of a bent knee. This may happen in a car, when the knee of the driver or front-seat passenger hits the dashboard on impact. It can also happen in contact sports such as football or wrestling. Hitting an opponent with the lower leg can drive the shin backward, tearing the PCL. Or a player may fall hard on a flexed knee.

PCL injuries don't necessarily create a lot of pain or symptoms. However, it's important that they're detected through a careful physical exam. Chronic or untreated PCL injuries may lead to more severe knee problems down the line.