Where does the PCL connect?

Where does the PCL connect?

• A. Lateral surface of the femoral medial condyle to posterior intercondylar tibia
• B. Medial surface of the femur to the tibial plateau
• C. Lateral surface of the femoral lateral condyle to anterior intercondylar tibia
• D. Lateral surface of the femoral medial condyle to posterior intercondylar tibia

Answer: (A)

The PCL runs from the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia up to the medial femoral condyle, specifically on the lateral surface of that condyle. This orientation places its femoral attachment on the medial side of the condyle and its tibial attachment at the back of the tibial intercondylar area. Functionally, it tightens with knee flexion to prevent posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur and help resist hyperflexion. Other patterns place the ligament on different surfaces or connect the tibia to a different part of the femur, so they don’t match the actual attachment path of the PCL.

The PCL runs from the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia up to the medial femoral condyle, specifically on the lateral surface of that condyle. This orientation places its femoral attachment on the medial side of the condyle and its tibial attachment at the back of the tibial intercondylar area. Functionally, it tightens with knee flexion to prevent posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur and help resist hyperflexion. Other patterns place the ligament on different surfaces or connect the tibia to a different part of the femur, so they don’t match the actual attachment path of the PCL.