The knee joint is one of the most complex “simple” structures in the human body. The knee joint is also amongst the strongest and key joints in the human body. The knee, otherwise known as the tibio-femoral joint, is basically a synovial hinge joint between three bones of the legs: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (or the knee cap).
What is the posterior cruciate ligament (or PCL) ?
There are ligaments that connect and stabilize the components of the knee. The posterior cruciate ligament is located in the back or posterior part of the knee. It basically is one of numerous ligaments that join the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). The posterior cruciate ligament’s main function is to keep the tibia from going too far backwards. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is considered as the primary stabilizer of the knee. It is about twice as strong as the anterior cruciate ligament.
When is posterior cruciate ligament (or PCL) injured ?
An injury to the posterior cruciate ligament needs a potent force. The common causes of injury include a bent knee striking a dashboard in a car accident or a football player falling on a bent knee. Swelling follows within an hour itself, but it can be decreased by rest, ice, compression or elevation. There are three grades of PCL injury, ranging from mild to severe.
What is the treatment for posterior cruciate ligament (or PCL) injury ?
The emergency treatment of ligament injury consists of cold ice packs, tight compression bandages and weight-easing crutches. It is hard to bear weight on the affected joint for several days, however, within a week to ten days the swelling will settle with the joint. The decision to perform surgery or not is primarily based on the severity of the injury. It is common for non-operative rehabilitation to take place if the Grade is less. The key is to control the swelling, instability, and pain. If the patient, however, continues to experience pain and instability regardless of rehabilitation and bracing, a PCL reconstruction may be needed and performed. There are numerous factors that contribute to which route of treatment will be pursued. It depends on severity of the injury, whether the injury is to the PCL itself or if it is combined with other injuries to the ligaments or menisci, the activity level and goals of the patient, and the preference of the physician. Treatment may be without surgery (conservative treatment) or with surgery (surgical treatment). Conservative treatment is basically achieved by physical therapy, by reducing swelling, restoring motion and complete muscle power. Physiotherapy and proprioceptive training are needed to learn the protective reflexes in order to safe-guard the joint for customary daily activities. In the ligament repair surgery, a graft will be taken from elsewhere to reconstruct the torn cruciate ligament. Typically two of the hamstring tendons (tendon from backs of thigh) are taken, but at times other suitable graft choices also can be used. The torn remnants of the damaged PCL are removed via arthroscopic surgery and tunnels are made in the tibia (shin bone) and the femur (thigh bone) to permit the graft to be positioned in the knee. The new reconstructed ligament is then set at both ends to hold it in place. By six to twelve weeks after injury the knee returns to almost normal.
How to find and reach orthopedic surgeons for PCL repair surgery ?
Now you can find and reach orthopedic surgeons from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple orthopedic surgeons, get cost estimates for PCL repair surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose an orthopedic surgeon for PCL repair surgery.
Find, reach and choose an orthopedic surgeon for PCL repair surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
