Knee - PCL Injuries
Description
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the other main stabilizing ligament on the inside of the knee. Its main function is to prevent the tibia (shin bone) from sliding backward and rotating on the femur (thigh bone). Tears/ruptures of the ligament results in knee instability. PCL tear is less common than ACL tear.
What are the causes?
PCL tears are typically caused by trauma or a fall on the knee. A direct posterior/backward force on the tibia commonly seen in collision sports or the knee hitting the dashboard in a motor vehicle accident will cause a PCL tear.
What are the symptoms?
PCL tears cause immediate pain and often swelling. You may feel something “pop” inside the knee. An initial inability to bear weight on the leg may subside and walking may be possible after several minutes. The knee may feel loose or that it is going to “give out” and immediate return to sport is impossible. Over time, swelling will increase and motion may be lost. Unlike ACL tears, some patients, even athletes, can return to sport with partial PCL tears (albeit in a knee brace) and never require surgery.
How is it diagnosed?
Your surgeon will perform a thorough history and physical exam with X-rays. On exam, swelling and loss of motion and strength is present. Your surgeon will perform maneuvers to check stability of all the knee ligaments and the meniscus. An MRI is helpful to confirm the diagnosis, showing the PCL tear. The type of tear (partial, complete, avulsion from either the tibia or femur) can be defined, which may assist in treatment planning. The MRI may also show bone bruising secondary to the injury.
Non-operative
PCL tears do not heal. However, some patients may be able to return to normal activity depending on the type and severity of the tear. Non-operative treatment consisting of anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, cryotherapy and activity modification may be prescribed to decrease the swelling, regain motion and strength. A brace may be prescribed to return to sports activities. If symptoms persist (pain, instability), reconstruction surgery may be recommended by your surgeon.
Operative
Operative management of PCL tears depends on the type of tear. PCL repair may be indicated in patients where the PCL is clearly torn off the wall of the femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone. PCL repair is accomplished through a minimally-invasive arthroscopic procedure and sewed back into place and fixed with screws or buttons. The repair may also be supplemented with high-strength suture.
If formal reconstruction is required, a new PCL graft will be fixed in place of the original ligament. A technique for graft placement and graft choice is a shared decision between you and your surgeon. Most techniques are performed through a minimally-invasive arthroscopic procedure. The graft can be taken from around your knee or from a donor. Postoperative rehabilitation, return to daily activities and return to sport depends on the technique and graft chosen, and is at your surgeon’s discretion.
Can I shower after surgery?
If you have a bulky dry dressing you can remove it on postop day #3; you may then shower allowing water to run over steri-strips or sutures; towel pat dry and keep clean; NO soaking or submerging operative body part. If you have a waterproof dressing, please leave it on until you follow up in the office. You can shower over the dressing, no soaking or submerging the shoulder
How long do I need to wear the compression stockings?
Dr. Liu wants you to keep the compression stockings on for 3 weeks. Compression stockings are the best way to help the swelling to go down after surgery.
Should I use ice or heat?
Ice can provide analgesic effects and control swelling for the first 3-5 days; after that we recommend ice after exercises or PT.
How do I use an ice machine or CPM?
if either device is part of your recovery, treat this as an assistance to your recovery. Use either as directed, allowing only the machine to move or do the work. Remember, you should not be doing the work or moving the operative body part on your own.
How do I decrease my pain after surgery?
You may take your pain medication as prescribed; if pain continues, you may add ibuprofen or naproxen in between pain medication doses: (8am pain med, 10am ibuprofen 600-800mg or naproxen 500mg, 12p pain med).
Who schedules my first post operative appointment?
You are responsible for scheduling this appointment. This can be done prior to your surgery or within 1-3 days following. Please call the office, at 702-740-5327, provide your date of surgery, and you will be provided your appointment time and date.
When can I drive?
This depends on your surgery. Please wait until your first post op visit to discuss with your provider.
When can I go swimming?
Please wait at least 4 weeks until you submerge your incision into baths or pools. When your incision is submerged, it can open up and increase risk of infection. We ask that you wait 4 weeks when the incision is healed to soak in tubs or pools.
When do I start Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy will be discussed at your first postoperative visit 10-14 days after surgery.
I have questions that have not been answered.
Please re-read your postoperative instructions handout. If questions remain, please contact the surgery line that has been provided to you on your post surgical handout.