Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction

What is a posterior cruciate ligament injury?

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is one of four major elastic bands (ligaments) within the knee joint. The PCL works together with the well-recognized anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to limit forward and backward movement of the tibia (shin bone) in relation to the femur (thigh bone). Although tremendously powerful, the PCL is still susceptible to injury from a significant force to the front of the knee. A PCL injury often results from a sports-related incident, such as a low football tackle, a motor vehicle collision, or a fall directly onto a bent knee.

What is the treatment for a PCL injury?

Non-surgical therapies may be sufficient when the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the only injured knee joint structure. Such therapies may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and bracing. This is a rare event, however, as PCL injuries are often associated with other knee joint injuries. When multiple knee joint structures are damaged from a traumatic event, surgical intervention is typically the best treatment option to stabilize the knee joint. Surgical reconstruction of the PCL involves using a tendon graft to replace the injured PCL. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic knee doctor, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who are in need of PCL reconstruction.

How is PCL reconstruction performed?

Dr. Lamplot favors an arthroscopic technique when performing a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. The minimally invasive arthroscopic surgical method uses a small camera (arthroscope) inserted directly into the affected knee to meticulously evaluate the soft tissue structures of the knee joint. Specialized surgical instruments are also utilized to perform the reconstruction. A tendon graft is first harvested, either from the patient (autograft) or donor (allograft) and shaped to fit the patient’s native PCL. Dr. Lamplot will create a small hole through the top of the tibia near the attachment point of the original ligament. The tendon graft is then fastened to the femur and passed through a bone tunnel where it is attached with special surgical buttons on the outside of the bone. Screws can be used to secure the graft as well. After fixation is complete, the ligaments are evaluated for stability and range of motion.

What is the recovery period like after PCL reconstruction?

There are a number of patient factors, such as age, activity level,  and other injured knee structures that can determine the recovery period following a successful posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. Most patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL can anticipate a full recovery with a return to normal daily activities in approximately 6 to 9 months. The following is to be expected during the recovery process:

• Immediately following surgery, a knee brace is applied to protect and support the repaired ligament during the healing process.
• Symptoms such as swelling, pain, bruising, and general discomfort are normal after PCL reconstruction. These post-operative symptoms can be managed with a combination of rest, ice, elevation, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). If necessary, Dr. Lamplot will prescribe a brief course of a stronger pain medication to be taken as directed.
• A physical rehabilitation program will be tailored to Dr. Lamplot’s intra-operative findings. Patients will work closely with the physical therapy team to strengthen the knee and restore motion while the reconstructed knee heals the knee joint. A successful recovery following PCL reconstruction is contingent on the patient’s active participation and completion of this physical therapy program.

PCL Reconstruction Surgeon