What is PCL surgery?
What is PCL Surgery?: Ligaments are the fibrous connective tissue responsible for attaching bone to bone. If there is even a slight problem with the ligament, a person will not be able to continue with his activities willingly and will face some difficulties as well. Likewise, the condition of posterior cruciate ligament injury is similar.
If you have no idea what PCL surgery is or why it is required for a PCL injury, this article is for you.We discuss What is PCL surgery in detail here so that if there is any symptom you experience, you can reach out to the doctor and get treatment.
What is a posterior cruciate ligament injury?
The posterior cruciate ligament is an important ligament that runs along the back of the knee and connects that thigh bone to the top of the lower leg bone. If there is any problem with the posterior ligament, a person will experience some problems. This ligament is also helpful in keeping the bone in place and helps the knee with mobility.
When a person is not able to do so due to any injury, it turns out to be a posterior cruciate ligament injury. This is one of a serious injury, and one cannot ignore it because it can affect the overall activity of a person’s life.
Who do posterior cruciate ligament injuries majorly affect?
Posterior ligament injuries can affect anyone. But people who are engaged in sports activities are more prone to it. It is sometimes the case that they do not pay attention to any entry during the game session. When they ignore the condition, it gets to the point where there is a need to go for posterior cruciate ligament surgery.
What is posterior cruciate ligament surgery?
Posterior cruciate ligament surgery is a process in which a doctor considers the reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament and removes the torn ligament. By considering the reconstruction with the help of tissue taken from other parts of the body or from any human donor available around But do understand that the recovery period is not so short and that within 7 to 12 months, the graft will be in a position to heal properly.
If a person is not paying attention to the recovery period after PCL surgery, there are chances of complications as well.
What can a person expect from PCL surgery?
First of all, it is important for you to understand What is PCL surgery?. Always reach out to one of the best doctors around to understand. We suggest you approach Dr. Lalit Modi in Jaipur at Jaipur Joints as he is one of the Best Orthopedic doctor in Jaipur to approach for treatment.
When you approach him, he will help you to understand your condition and the structure of your knees, and whether you need surgery or not. If the medications can help you, he will move ahead with it.
Apart from that, major doctors consider it an arthroscopic surgery, which allows them to make small cuts and, with the help of an arthroscope, they will be able to move ahead with the process. Doctors connect the PCL graft either to the bone with the help of screws or staples to rebuild it. The time for the surgery is around 2 to 2.5 hours, and the rest depends on the condition of the patient. It is one of the minimally invasive operations and most people will be able to get discharged from the hospital within 2 days.
During the recovery period, you need to wear a brace and use crutches for the first few months because, without them, there are chances of complications. Also, physical therapy is important, so do not avoid it.
In which conditions is PCL surgery required?
There are so many instances in which injury to the PCL takes place, and this includes:
- Car accident, especially if the knees hit the dashboard.
- Injuries take place due to sports activities and when you fall on your bended knees.
- Twisting or hyper-extending the ligament in a fall or misstep.
These conditions are among those that require PCL surgery. However, keep in mind that the causes of PCL surgery can vary. You should make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible if you are experiencing any symptoms.
Grading of posterior cruciate ligament injury:
The posterior cruciate ligament injury is divided into different grades, and these are as follows:
Grade 1:
This one is the condition when there is a partial tear present in the ligament. This may get healed with medication and complete bed rest.
Grade 2:
In grade 2, there is a partial tear along with some looseness around the ligament. In this condition, the doctor will suggest that the patient wear compression stockings and take some rest.
Grade 3:
This is quite serious there is complete damage to the ligament and the knee is in an unstable state.
Grade 4:
If the injury is grade 4, then the only option left for individuals is to go for the surgery and get it fixed. The doctor considers the reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament to fix the condition.
This was all about posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL, surgery. It is advisable for people to reach out to the doctor promptly to get the treatment they need. It is important because avoiding it can cause so many difficulties later on. Discuss with the doctor the exact condition you are going through so that he can suggest what to do and what not to do.
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FAQ: What is PCL Surgery
Q.1 – Can you walk with a PCL injury?
Answer – Walking after a PCL injury depends on the degree of the injury. If the temperature is mild, you can easily walk. But if it is severe, you need to take the rest and approach the orthopedic doctor.
Q.2 – For how long do I need to rest after PCL surgery?
Answer – After PCL surgery, you need to rest for around 3 to 6 months. Within 2 months, you will be able to feel comfortable and continue with your regular activities. But make sure you cannot do it with not much extension.
Q.3 – What happens if a child is facing a PCL injury?
Answer – If a child is facing a PCL injury, doctors majorly suggest a non-surgical process because their body is not in the state to bear the treatment. Also, they are in their growing period, so there is no requirement for surgery.
Q.4 – When a person will be able to go back to work after PCL surgery?
Answer – First of all, it is important for you to figure out the nature of your job. If you are in an office job where you need to sit for a longer duration you can consider going to the office within 10 to 15 days. But if your job requires standing for a longer duration you cannot do it for 3 months almost.