Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Repair
Pronounced: pos-tea-ree-or kru-shee-ate lig-a-ment
Definition
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) surgery is done to repair a torn ligament in the knee.
Posterior Cruciate LigamentCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Reasons for Procedure TOP
This surgery is done when other methods have not helped. It may also be done in people whose PCL is no longer connected to the bone. The goal of surgery is to improve function and ease pain.
Possible Complications TOP
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
- Excess bleeding
- Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Knee instability
- Pain, numbness, or stiffness in the knee does not get better
- The need for more surgery
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
What to Expect TOP
Prior to Procedure
The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
- Anesthesia options
- Any allergies you may have
- The medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
- Fasting, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
- Arranging a ride to and from surgery
- Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images of the knee
Anesthesia
The doctor may give:
- General anesthesia—you will be asleep
- Spinal anesthesia—your lower body will be numbed
Description of Procedure TOP
Small incisions will be made around the knee. Tools will be passed through the incisions. If enough of the ligament is intact, the damaged PCL may be reattached to the bone. Any tears in the ligament will be repaired.
If the PCL needs to be reconstructed, a tendon from another part of the body or a donor will be used. The remains of the damaged ligament will be cleaned away from the knee joint. Small incisions will be made in the thighbone and shinbone. The new tendon will be threaded through the incisions and held down with screws or staples. The incisions will be closed with stitches and covered with bandages.
How Long Will It Take? TOP
How long it takes depends on the changes that need to be made. It may take up to 2 hours.
Will It Hurt? TOP
Pain and swelling are common in the first few weeks. Medicine and home care can help.
Average Hospital Stay TOP
You may be able to go home the same day. If you have problems, you may need to stay longer.
Post-procedure Care TOP
At the Care Center
After the procedure, the staff may:
- Give you pain medicine
- Protect the knee with a splint or brace
- Teach you how to use crutches
During your stay, staff will take steps to lower your chance of infection, such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
You can also lower your chance of infection by:
- Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
- Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
- Not letting others touch your incisions
At Home
It will take a few weeks for the incisions to heal. Full recovery can take 3 months. Physical activity will need to be limited at first. You will need to ask for help with daily activities and delay your return to work.
Call Your Doctor TOP
Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, more pain, a lot of bleeding, or any leaking from the incision
- Pain that you cannot control with medicine
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Numbness or tingling in the knee
- New or worsening symptoms
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org
Sports Med—American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org
REFERENCES:
Knee ligament repair. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed July 20, 2020.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury of the knee. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/medial-collateral-ligament-mcl-injury-of-the-knee. Accessed July 20, 2020.
Tandogan NR, Kayaalp A. Surgical treatment of medial knee ligament injuries: current indications and techniques. EFORT Open Rev. 2016 Feb;1(2):27-33.
Last reviewed March 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated: 3/30/2021