Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), one of four major ligaments of the knee, is located at the back of the knee, which connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). A PCL tear can occur as the result of a traumatic injury, such as when your knee strikes the ground in a fall, or an injury incurred during twisting or overextending the knee.

Your doctor may start with non-surgical treatments, such as rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE protocol) to control pain and swelling and physical therapy to improve knee motion and strength. A knee brace may also be recommended to immobilize your knee, while crutches may protect your knee and avoid bearing weight on your leg. In the case of a dislocated knee with multiple ligament injuries, including the PCL, surgery is recommended. PCL reconstruction involves repairing the torn ligament using a tissue graft taken from another part of the body, or from a donor. Surgery is usually carried out with the help of an arthroscope, using a few small incisions.