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Comprehensive Guide to PCL Reconstruction at MedEase
The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) is a vital stabilizer of the knee joint, playing a key role in maintaining proper alignment and function during movement. Injuries to the PCL, though less common than anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, can cause significant knee instability, pain, and long-term complications if untreated. At MedEase, we specialize in state-of-the-art PCL Reconstruction surgery, combining advanced surgical techniques with personalized rehabilitation programs to help you regain full knee function and return to your active lifestyle safely.
Treatment Duration
30 Minutes
45 Minutes
Treatment Cost
70K
90K
The knee joint is stabilized by four primary ligaments, of which the PCL is the strongest. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) at the back of the knee. The PCL’s main function is to prevent the tibia from sliding backward relative to the femur, especially when the knee is bent. It also contributes to rotational stability of the knee.
A healthy PCL is crucial for normal walking, running, jumping, and other dynamic movements. Damage to the PCL compromises this stability, resulting in a feeling of knee “giving way,” difficulty walking, and pain during activity.
PCL injuries typically result from trauma or high-impact forces that push the tibia backward excessively. Common causes include:
Direct Impact: A blow to the front of the knee, such as during car accidents or a fall onto a bent knee.
Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, rugby, skiing, or basketball where sudden twisting, hyperextension, or collision occurs.
Falls: Landing awkwardly with the knee bent and foot pointed downward.
Combined Ligament Injuries: Sometimes, PCL injury occurs along with ACL or collateral ligament injuries, especially in high-energy trauma.
Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for timely treatment. Typical signs of a PCL injury include:
Pain: Usually mild to moderate and located at the back of the knee.
Swelling: Knee swelling develops within hours or days after injury.
Instability: A sensation that the knee may buckle or give out during walking or weight-bearing.
Difficulty Walking: Limping or inability to fully straighten or bend the knee.
Reduced Range of Motion: Stiffness and decreased ability to move the knee fully.
Bruising: Sometimes visible bruises appear around the knee.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for choosing the best treatment path. At MedEase, our orthopedic specialists use a combination of:
Physical Examination: Tests like the posterior drawer test, dial test, and gait analysis assess ligament stability.
Imaging:
X-rays to rule out bone fractures or dislocations.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to visualize the soft tissue structures and confirm the extent of ligament damage.
For partial tears or mild injuries, conservative treatment often suffices:
Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that worsen symptoms.
Immobilization: Knee braces or splints to support the joint.
Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen quadriceps and hamstrings, improving knee stability.
Pain Management: Use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain and swelling.
Conservative management requires patience and strict adherence to rehab protocols. Most patients regain functional stability within 3 to 6 months.
Severe PCL tears, complete ruptures, or injuries with persistent instability usually need surgical reconstruction. Surgery is also considered if:
Conservative treatment fails to relieve symptoms.
Multiple ligaments are injured simultaneously.
The patient is an athlete or has high physical demands.
PCL Reconstruction is a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery that replaces the torn ligament with a graft to restore knee stability and function. This procedure is preferred over repair (suturing the ligament) because the PCL rarely heals well on its own.
Preoperative Preparation:
Patient is evaluated for fitness under anesthesia.
General or regional anesthesia is administered.
Arthroscopy:
Small incisions (portals) are made around the knee.
An arthroscope (tiny camera) is inserted to visualize the knee joint on a monitor.
Graft Harvesting:
The graft is typically harvested from the patient’s own tissue (autograft), such as hamstring tendons or patellar tendon.
Alternatively, donor tissue (allograft) may be used in some cases.
Tunnel Creation:
Using specialized instruments, tunnels are drilled in the femur and tibia bones to anchor the new graft in the exact anatomical position.
Graft Placement and Fixation:
The graft is threaded through the tunnels and secured using screws or other fixation devices.
Closure:
Incisions are sutured and sterile dressings applied.
A knee brace may be fitted to protect the reconstruction.
Immediate Postoperative Phase (Weeks 1-2):
Focus on pain management, reducing swelling, and gentle passive movements.
Early Rehabilitation (Weeks 3-6):
Gradual increase in knee motion exercises and initiation of muscle strengthening.
Strengthening Phase (Months 3-6):
Progressive strengthening and balance training to restore function.
Advanced Functional Training (6 Months onwards):
Return to sports-specific drills and high-impact activities based on doctor’s clearance.
Complete recovery can take 6 to 12 months, depending on injury severity, surgical technique, and rehabilitation adherence.
Restores Knee Stability: Provides the mechanical support necessary for normal knee function.
Prevents Long-term Joint Damage: Avoids chronic instability that leads to arthritis.
Enables Return to Active Lifestyle: Patients often resume sports and physically demanding activities.
Improves Quality of Life: Reduces pain, improves mobility, and boosts confidence.
Like any surgery, PCL reconstruction carries risks including:
Infection: Rare but possible; prevented with sterile techniques and antibiotics.
Blood Clots: Deep vein thrombosis risk mitigated by early mobilization and blood thinners.
Graft Failure or Loosening: May require revision surgery.
Stiffness or Reduced Range of Motion: Managed with physical therapy.
Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Very rare with experienced surgeons.
At MedEase, our expert surgical team minimizes risks through meticulous technique and comprehensive patient care.
The cost varies by city, hospital quality, surgeon experience, and graft type. Typically, it ranges between ₹1,25,000 and ₹4,00,000. MedEase offers:
Transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
Flexible payment plans and insurance assistance.
High value care with advanced technology at affordable costs.
Experienced Orthopedic Surgeons: Specialists trained in the latest arthroscopic techniques.
Cutting-Edge Facilities: Advanced operation theaters with modern equipment.
Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to rehab, complete support under one roof.
Patient-Centered Approach: Personalized treatment plans focusing on your needs.
Affordable Excellence: Top-quality care without compromising on cost.
Don’t let a PCL injury hold you back. At MedEase, our expert team is committed to restoring your knee’s strength and stability with safe, effective PCL reconstruction surgery.
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Email: info@medeasehealth.com
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At MedEase, PCL reconstruction has a high success rate, with most patients regaining knee stability and returning to their normal activities. The exact success depends on injury severity, surgical technique, and adherence to the rehabilitation program.
Generally, patients use crutches for about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to allow proper healing. The exact duration varies depending on the type of graft and the individual’s progress.
Yes! With proper rehabilitation, most patients can return to sports within 6 to 12 months after surgery. Our team will guide you through a customized rehab plan to ensure a safe return to activity.
While some pain and swelling are normal after surgery, we manage it with medications and physical therapy. Most patients find the discomfort manageable and improving each week.
Usually, you’ll stay in the hospital for one night after surgery. Some patients may be discharged the same day depending on their recovery and comfort level.
All surgeries carry some risk. Potential complications include infection, blood clots, stiffness, and graft failure. However, at MedEase, our experienced surgeons and strict protocols minimize these risks significantly.
We commonly use autografts (patient’s own tissue, like hamstring or patellar tendon) or allografts (donor tissue). The choice depends on your individual needs and your surgeon’s recommendation.
Gentle range-of-motion exercises usually begin within the first week. Your physical therapist will guide you on when and how to safely bend the knee.
Absolutely. A structured rehab program is essential to regain strength, mobility, and knee function. Skipping rehab can delay or compromise recovery.
The cost typically ranges of PCL reconstruction surgery from ₹1,25,000 to ₹4,00,000, depending on the hospital, surgeon, and type of graft. At MedEase, we offer transparent pricing and financing options to make it affordable.
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