Knee · Ligaments
PCL reconstruction
Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear
The condition
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the center of the knee keeps the shin bone from sliding backward. It usually tears from a blow to the front of the shin, such as a dashboard injury or a fall onto a bent knee. A torn PCL can cause instability, pain, and cartilage wear over time.
The surgery
PCL reconstruction is a typically outpatient surgery done through small incisions with a camera, sometimes with a small added incision. The torn PCL is replaced with a tendon graft placed in small bone tunnels; the graft type will be discussed with you. Meniscus or cartilage problems may also be treated. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Brace & motion
- Locked straight for walking and sleep for 6 weeks; a dynamic PCL brace (fitted at ~2 weeks once swelling has calmed down) is worn full time until 6 months. Bending to 90° by 2 weeks and 110° by 6 weeks.
- Weight-bearing
- Typically full weight with crutches and the brace locked straight (some knees need touch-down weight-bearing at first). Crutches are weaned after 6 weeks; normal walking by ~8 weeks.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 2 weeks. Hamstring exercises wait until 12 weeks, with resisted hamstring work from 16 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Running
- Not before 20 weeks, once strength and knee stability allow.
- Sports
- No sooner than 9 months, after strength and functional testing (typically 9–12 months).
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients have a more stable knee and better function. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, remaining looseness or graft stretching, loss of knee motion, injury to nearby structures (such as cartilage or, rarely, the blood vessels and nerves behind the knee), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
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Before & after every surgery