National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about PCL injuries is FALSE?

1. PCL injuries are less common than ACL injuries.

2. Most individuals hear a popping sensation in the knee with a PCL injury.

3. The PCL functions to resist the tibia moving posteriorly to the femur.

4. The PCL is larger and stronger than the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

The correct answer is: Most individuals hear a popping sensation in the knee with a PCL injury.

When considering the characteristics of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries, one important aspect is the nature of the injury and the common symptoms associated with it. The statement that suggests most individuals hear a popping sensation in the knee with a PCL injury is inaccurate. Unlike ACL injuries, which are frequently associated with a distinct popping sound when the injury occurs due to the mechanism of injury and the structure of the ligament, PCL injuries typically do not produce this popping sensation. Patients may experience other symptoms such as swelling, pain, or instability, but the characteristic audible pop is not a commonly reported component of PCL injuries. The other statements clarify accurate information about PCL injuries. The PCL is indeed less commonly injured than the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and serves a critical biomechanical role in stabilizing the knee by preventing the tibia from moving too far posteriorly in relation to the femur. Moreover, it is recognized that the PCL is larger and stronger than the ACL, which contributes to its ability to withstand greater tensile forces during activities. Understanding these distinctions can help in both assessment and management of knee injuries.