Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction
The posterior cruciate ligament runs behind the knee, supporting the knee joint and connecting the femur and tibia. Like the rest of the ligaments in the knee, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is needed to allow the knee to function at the highest level. When this ligament is stretched or torn, it may need treatment or surgery. At Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center, we perform posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction procedures at our facility in Miami, FL.
The PCL function allows for acceleration and deceleration, as well as other functions when running and walking. When a PCL injury occurs, it is usually when an athlete is playing sports due to the nature of its function, but it can also be due to an accident. The PCL can be damaged when the following events occur:
- Falling on a bent knee
- Impact to the front of the knee
- Bending the knee too far backward
- Landing awkwardly after a jump
Anyone who has a PCL injury may have pain in the back of the knee, along with swelling. The knee may feel unstable and stiff, making it difficult to walk. While the symptoms are not as severe as some other knee ligament injuries, it can greatly affect the function of the knee and may require surgery.
Restoring PCL Function
If the PCL is torn, surgery for reconstruction may be required. This is a complex surgery and not as common as ACL or MCL reconstruction surgeries. The ligament is usually restored with a donor tendon from the patient, as is the case in other ligament reconstruction surgeries. An experienced knee specialist and orthopedic surgeon is needed to perform this surgery to ensure that the knee can perform at the highest level.
It is possible to live with a PCL injury without surgery, but top athletes that rely on knee function to perform will often need PCL reconstruction surgery to restore their mobility. If you have a PCL injury and want to explore treatment, contact our team at Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic center. Dr. Glashow is one of the top orthopedic surgeons and sports injury specialists in the country. Call our clinic in Miami, FL, for an appointment.
