PCL Surgery
What Is PCL Reconstruction?
PCL reconstruction is the surgical treatment for a torn posterior cruciate ligament, the strong ligament toward the back of the knee that prevents the shinbone from sliding backward relative to the thighbone. Similar to ACL reconstruction, PCL surgery replaces the torn ligament with a tendon graft, since a fully torn PCL has limited capacity to heal well on its own, particularly in more severe injuries.
When Is PCL Surgery Needed?
Because many PCL tears — especially partial or isolated injuries — respond well to nonsurgical treatment, surgery is generally reserved for:
- Complete PCL tears causing significant instability that limits daily activity or sports
- PCL tears combined with injuries to other knee ligaments, since the knee’s overall stability depends on more than one structure
- PCL tears associated with a bony avulsion, where the ligament pulls a fragment of bone away from its normal attachment site
- Cases where a structured course of physical therapy, focused on quadriceps strengthening, hasn’t adequately restored function and stability
How Is PCL Reconstruction Performed?
PCL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and specialized instruments. The torn ligament remnants are removed, and precise tunnels are created in the femur and tibia at the PCL’s natural attachment points. A tendon graft — often from the patient’s own hamstring, quadriceps, or a donor tendon — is then passed through these tunnels and secured with fixation devices, allowing the graft to gradually integrate with the surrounding bone.
Because the PCL sits toward the back of the knee near important blood vessels and nerves, PCL surgery requires meticulous surgical technique and is generally performed by surgeons experienced with this less common ligament reconstruction.
Coast your way to recovery
Dr. Palsis utilizes innovative treatment techniques to get you back in motion and back to the life you love.
Recovery After PCL Surgery
Recovery from PCL reconstruction tends to be somewhat more gradual than ACL reconstruction, in part because gravity naturally places stress on the healing graft (pulling the tibia backward) in ways that need to be carefully managed:
- A knee brace is used early on to help support the tibia and protect the graft from posterior stress
- Physical therapy is introduced in a carefully staged manner to avoid placing excess strain on the healing ligament
- Weight-bearing and range of motion are advanced gradually over the first several weeks
- Return to full activity, including sports, is typically not considered until 9 to 12 months, allowing the graft ample time to mature and the surrounding musculature to fully recover its supportive strength
Get back to what moves you
Dr. Palsis specializes in the treatment of knee, shoulder, and sports injuries.