PCL Surgery

PCL Surgery

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is along with its counterpart Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) supports the thigh bone (Tibia) and the shinbone which the larger lower bone (Femur). They are placed in the form of an “X” at the knee. The occurrence of PCL injury is not as common as ACL injury.

In the case of PCL injury, the symptoms appear similar to that of ACL injury. Immediate swelling and instability appear after the injury.

Although the occurrence of PCL injury is less common than ACL and even causes less pain than ACL, it could still require a good amount of rest and rehabilitation for some weeks.

Grades of PCL Injuries:

PCL injuries are classified depending on the level of injury to their functional ligament:

• Grade 1 PCL Sprain: partial PCL tear
• Grade 2 PCL Tear: near complete PCL tear
• Grade 3 PCL Tear: complete PCL tear

Causes

A PCL injury occurs when the knee is hurt severely. Given below are some conditions which lead to a PCL injury-

• Falling on a bent knee.
• Dashboard injury.
• Extreme bending of the knee on the backside.
• Improper landing followed by a high jump.

Symptoms

The common symptoms include:

• Progressive pain
• Quick and steady swelling after the injury
• Stiffening of the knee
• Instability in the knee
• Limping and difficulty in walking
• A feeling of the knee giving out

Diagnosis of PCL Injuries

The diagnosis of a PCL tear is made based on your symptoms, and medical history and by performing a physical examination of the knee. Other diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRI scans may be ordered. X-rays are useful to rule out avulsion fractures (An avulsion fracture occurs when a small chunk of bone attached to a tendon or ligament gets pulled away from the main part of the bone. The hip, elbow, and ankle are the most common locations for avulsion fractures in the young athlete) wherein the PCL tears off a piece of bone along with it. An MRI scan helps to view the damage to the soft tissues.

Treatments

Non-Surgical treatments:

Numerous options are available for the treatment of PCL injuries. These include non-surgical and surgical treatment.

Non-surgical treatment involves the use of ice, rest, compression, and elevation of the knee, along with physical therapy to strengthen the knee muscles and restore motion. A knee brace may be employed in order to immobilize the knee. Crutches may be used to prevent weight bearing to allow the bone and soft tissues time to heal.

Surgery:

PCL reconstruction surgery is the rebuilding process of a torn posterior cruciate ligament in the knee. PCL reconstruction surgery is done using knee arthroscopy, it’s a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon makes multiple small incisions around the knee joint and inserts a narrow fibre optic scope, also called an arthroscope, to examine the knee condition. An arthroscope is helpful in removing the damaged ligament and replacing it with a graft. PCL reconstruction surgery uses an autograft or an allograft to replace the ligament.

Postoperative Care after PCL Surgery

After PCL reconstruction surgery, the post-operative care includes Physiotherapy, rest, and prescribed medications. Consult Physiotherapist for a detailed rehabilitation program for fast recovery.

In general, it takes 6-9 months to completely recover after your PCL reconstruction surgery and return to the daily routine as well as sports activity. Consult Physiotherapist for a rehab program to regain knee strength and a full range of motion. Weight-bearing activities can be performed under physiotherapist supervision.