Tag Line
For PCL injury of Grades III and IV, operative surgery is recommended. Grafts is the method when addressing PCL injuries that are in need of operative surgery.
Symptoms
- Posterior knee pain and a mild to moderate effusion.
- Chronic PCL insufficiency may complain of vague, anterior knee pain and difficulty with certain activities such as ascending and descending stairs.
Pre-Procedure
A full physical examination will be conducted by the doctor to see if the patient is in good health to undertake the surgery.
- The patient’s medical history is thoroughly studied so as to avoid any complications arising during or after the surgery.
- Medications such as blood thinners are advised to be stopped, a week before the surgery is due to take place.
- The patient is to fast for a minimum of 8 hours before the surgery.
Procedure
PCL reconstruction surgery consists of replacing the torn PCL with one’s own tissues or an allograft.
A common technique involves grafting the torn PCL with segments of the hamstring tendons. - If the surgery involves the reconstruction of multiple ligaments at once, different graft materials may be used.
- In general, most techniques utilize specially designed screws allowing secure immediate fixation of the graft material within bone tunnels drilled into the knee.
- The surgery is frequently carried out as a day surgery procedure.
- PCL reconstruction is usually performed under general anesthetic (asleep) to ensure the muscles surrounding the joint are adequately relaxed to conduct the procedure.
- A local anesthetic is infiltrated around the knee at the end of the operation to help limit pain.
Post Surgical Care
- Physiotherapy - exercises are vitally important for the best possible results
- A nutritive dense balanced food
- Medications as per the medical report.
- Taking care of the wounds from infections with at most care.
Risks
- Graft failure due to poorly understood biological reasons occurs in approximately 1% of grafts and a further 1% of grafts rupture during active movements.
- Stiffness of the knee.
- Persistent pain over the front of the knee.
- Persistent swelling of the knee and Calf.
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT). It is advisable not to take the oral contraceptive pill for 6 weeks prior to surgery or HRT at the time of surgery. Please ask for advice if necessary.
- Infection of the knee. This is a rare but extremely serious complication. Antibiotics are given during and shortly after the operation to minimize the risk.
