PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction is a surgical procedure in which the damaged PCL is replaced by a graft — usually taken from your own body. A torn PCL is commonly a sports injury, though it can be caused by any accident or even a misstep. This is typically a minimally invasive, arthroscopic, procedure. The arthroscopic method uses several small incisions to allow insertion of small thin tubes with video cameras (laparoscopes) and surgical instruments attached to perform the surgery. Patients typically come home the same day as the surgery.
PCL Reconstruction Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction
PCL reconstruction surgery is usually an arthroscopic procedure performed through small incisions, using an instrument called an arthroscope. The arthroscope is a tube that contains a camera and other surgical instruments. Occasionally, the surgeon will need to make a larger incision to repair the damage (open surgery). Patients are under general anesthesia during this procedure. PCL reconstruction surgeries are usually performed in an outpatient surgical facility by an orthopedic surgeon. Sports injuries are the most likely cause of a torn PCL. Patients are usually able to come home the day of the surgery, typically one to two hours after the procedure. Patients can walk without crutches after two to three weeks, and most people can return to full activities after six months.
Patient Preparation for PCL Reconstruction Surgery
A physical examination will be performed along with blood or other diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and MRIs. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention and, finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You will need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.
What to Expect During and After PCL Reconstruction Surgery
The surgery takes between one and two hours, though the preparation and recovery time may take several hours. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. The procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). PCL reconstruction surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, who will make a few small incisions around the kneecap. After inserting the arthroscope, the surgeon will drill holes into the upper and lower leg bones where the graft will be attached. Another incision is then made to take the graft from the patellar or hamstring tendon. No extra incision is needed if the surgeon is using a graft from a deceased donor. Finally, the graft will be pulled through the drilled holes and attached with screws or staples. After incisions are closed — using stitches or steri-strips — your knee will be wrapped in a bandage.
After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be discharged to your home. You will also practice walking with crutches. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.
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