Knee A to Z

Popliteus tendonitis is the same condition as 'popliteus tendinitis', but the latter is the more accepted spelling.

A portal in the knee is the small cut made by the surgeon during arthroscopy, to allow the passage of the instruments.

A portal scar is a small scarred area related to an arthroscopic portal - the small hole the surgeon makes to inserts the arthroscopy instruments.

Posterior is a positional word meaning 'behind'.

A posterior capsulotomy or posterior capsular release is a surgical procedure to release scar tissue within the folds of the capsule at the back of the knee. Page updated July 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

The posterior cruciate is one of the two cruciate ligaments which are important in stabilising the knee. Page updated April 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Posterior cruciate ligament injury may involve an intrasubstance tear of the ligament (complete or incomplete) or an avulsion from the bone. Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction involves using graft material to refashion and replace a damaged posterior cruciate ligament. Page updated April 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

The posterior drawer test assesses the integrity of the posterior cruciate ligament. Page updated January 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

The meniscus is crescentic, with two horns (like a new moon) - and the posterior horn is the one at the back.