PCL Reconstruction
PCL Reconstruction
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is located in the knee, just behind the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It is one of the ligaments that connects the shinbone (tibia) to the thighbone (femur). The posterior cruciate ligament restricts the tibia from moving backward with respect to the femur.
PCL tears result in knee instability. PCL tears are less common than ACL tears.
Causes of PCL Tear
- A powerful impact on the knee while in a bent position can result in an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament.
- Dashboard Injury: A bent knee hits a dashboard in a car accident.
- A football player falls on a knee that is bent.
- Additionally, damage to the PCL can result from a severe twisting injury or contact injury during sports activities.
Treatment
PCL avulsion injuries can be well managed with an arthroscopic, minimally invasive procedure, retaining your own native PCL. PCL intra-substance tears don’t heal and require reconstruction using your own tendon graft (hamstring, peroneal, or bone patella tendon bone). Full weight-bearing mobilisation and return to activities of daily living are very quick(next day of surgery). Returning to sports may take 6–9 months of time.
Neglected PCL injuries lead to subsequent meniscus tears, and early wear and tear leads to arthritis.