PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament)

PCL surgery can help to restore the stability of your knee if the posterior cruciate ligament has been torn or sprained. Having the surgery can enable you to enjoy a more active lifestyle after a knee injury.

When is it Performed?

The posterior cruciate ligament or PCL is a strand of tough tissue that helps to keep the knee stable. The ligament connects the thigh and shin bones at the back of the knee. The PCL prevents the shin bone from moving too far backwards when your knee bends. PCL injuries are usually the result of a strong impact to the knee, such as during a car accident or sports injury. In some cases, a small tear will be able to heal by itself with plenty of rest. However, if the tear is severe it may require surgical treatment, especially if there is damage to other parts of the joint too. Surgery can ensure that the knee is stable and to relieve symptoms such as stiffness, pain and restricted mobility. However, surgery isn’t the right treatment option in every case. The damage will need to be assessed by a specialist in order to determine whether PCL reconstruction can help.

The Procedure

PCL surgery is usually performed as a keyhole or arthroscopic procedure, which means it will be done through several small incisions rather than one large one. The doctor will use an arthroscope to see inside the knee during the operation. PCL reconstruction may be conducted with either a general anaesthetic or an epidural. It isn’t usually possible to stitch a torn ligament back together, so PCL surgery uses a graft to reconstruct the ligament instead. The graft will usually be a section of tendon taken from another part of your body, such as the kneecap or hamstring. It will be attached to the bone at either end of the PCL. The doctor will ensure that the graft is attached securely and has the right tension and range of movement. The damaged ligament should gradually be replaced with new tissue that grows along the graft.Recovering from PCL surgery will take at least six months. You will need to rest your knee for several weeks after the operation. Physiotherapy will then help to rebuild your strength and mobility as the ligament regenerates. It can be up to a year before you will be able to return to strenuous physical activities such as playing sports.

Risks and Benefits

• The risks of arthroscopic procedures are lower than for open surgery, but there is still a chance of complications such as blood clots, infections and allergic reactions to the anaesthetic. The doctor will ensure that you understand these before the operation.
• PCL reconstruction should help to make your knee more stable. It should improve your mobility and enable you to live a more active lifestyle once you have recovered.

If you have damaged your PCL and you are considering surgery, make an appointment with Mr Matt Dawson at the Cumbrian Knee Clinic to find out whether it is the right choice for you.