Posterior Cruciate Ligament is naturally found just posterior (behind) the anterior cruciate ligament. This ligament is one of the main stabilisers of the knee and acts similarly to the Anterior Circulate Ligament. However, unlike the ACL, the PCL provides stability to the posterior (back) of the knee and prevents the joint from sliding backwards / causing backward instability.
The Posterior Cruciate Ligament comprises a thick bundle of ligamentous fibres, which provides a strong connective tissue between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (leg bone).
Posterior Cruciate Ligaments ((PCL) injuries are far less common than their anterior counterpart, the ACL. This is partly because the mode of injury is less likely to occur than that of an ACL. Tearing a posterior cruciate ligament takes a lot of force and high impact. It can be caused by:
Following the above-mentioned protocol, grade II tears are considered relative indications. The decision on whether surgery is the best option takes into account the patient's pre-injury lifestyle, their specific demands, and the diagnosis. Conversely, grades III & IV tears typically benefit the most from arthroscopic surgical intervention in a majority of cases.
We engage in thorough discussions with you to assess the surgery's potential benefits in alignment with your pre-injury lifestyle. Our ONLY objective is to restore your pre-injury lifestyle, free from pain and injury. If surgery is identified as the optimal path to achieve this goal, we will openly discuss it with you and proceed based on your priorities and requirements. On the other hand, if there is a significant likelihood of attaining these objectives through non-operative means, our surgeons will prioritise this as the initial choice.
At Sri Balaji Hospital, we employ the state-of-the-art Smith & Nephew arthroscopic system renowned for its 4K quality, providing a comprehensive visualisation of the affected joint. This advanced system allows for a meticulous screening of associated injuries, which are occasionally overlooked in standard MRI studies.
The actual procedure involves making 2 key hole-sized incisions (portals) on the front of the knee, one to accommodate the camera and the other portal to make way for the entry of the arthroscopic surgery instrumentation. A third mini-incision may be made for the passage of the graft or the screw which fixes the muscle or tendon graft.
Typically acquired from the lower thigh, with the semitendinosus muscle being the preferred choice. This muscle is looped 2 or more times to ensure ample strength to support the individual's body weight and cater to the demands of their physical activities. It is especially suitable for individuals seeking greater flexibility and are less engaged in contact sports, thus minimising the risk of sports-related injuries.
This method utilises a portion of the patellar tendon accompanied by a small bone fragment to enhance strength and fortify the knee against potential impacts and high-intensity contact, typical in vigorous sports. While this graft offers notable strength, it can lead to reduced flexibility if post-operative rehabilitation is insufficient.
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