PCL reconstruction

Enquire now

Or call us on

0300 123 6200

Your posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are two large ligaments that control front to back movement in your knee. A sports injury or a fall directly on the front of your knee can tear your PCL.

The ligament has the ability to heal however it may grow back incorrectly causing your knee to give way. Additional symptoms of PCL problems include knee pain and longer term arthritis and wear and tear.

Once your PCL has healed your consultant may prescribe physiotherapy to add length and muscle strength. If conservative treatment does not relieve your symptoms your consultant may recommend PCL Reconstruction.

What happens during PCL Reconstruction?

PCL Reconstruction is usually performed under general anaesthetic. It is usually performed arthroscopically and takes about one hour.

Your surgeon will make two or three small incisions and insert a tiny camera to examine the inside of your knee. They will wash out any loose material caused by wear of the joint surfaces. They will trim the ends of the ligament in preparation for a graft. Most reconstructions use hamstring tendons to join the torn ends of the ligament. Special surgical screws fix the ends to bone.

Your surgical wounds will be closed using stitches or staples. Your knee will be bandaged. If more than one ligament has been reconstructed you may need to wear a brace.

PCL Reconstruction is usually performed as a day case meaning you can go home the day of your procedure.

Going home after PCL Reconstruction

Most patients go home using crutches. However you may be able to bear weight on your leg as comfort allows. A physiotherapist will give you exercises to help you regain your range of motion.

Ice and elevate your leg to help control any swelling.

You should discuss any return to work with your consultant.

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following PCL Reconstruction. As with any surgery there can be complications:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection of the surgical site (incision)
  • Scarring
  • Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis)
  • Difficulty passing urine

Specific complications of PCL Reconstruction may include:

  • Graft failure

Why not print this treatment page so you can discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon?

Find your nearest hospital that provides this treatment
or use my current location

Select a region to find a hospital

Ways to pay

Nuffield Health promise

Our prices are all-inclusive. We will equal any comparable price. There are no time limits on your aftercare.

Paying for yourself

There are no hidden costs in our treatment prices. The price you see is the price you pay.

Find out more

Personal medical loan

Spread the cost of your treatment with a 6, 10 or 12 month 0% personal medical loan.

Find out more

Medical insurance

We work with you and your insurance provider to get you the treatment you need quickly

Find out more

Ask a question about this treatment

Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you within one working day. If it's urgent, you can call us on 0300 123 6200.

Thank you

A member of the team will respond to you soon.

To continue to receive communications from Nuffield Health about our exclusive offers, products and services, then please tell us how you'd like to be contacted by ticking the relevant boxes below:

On occasion Nuffield Health may contact you with pertinent service information in regards to services we provide. Note that you can either amend or withdraw your consent at any time.

For information about where your personal data may be processed, how it may be processed and for details of our Data Protection Officer, please see our Privacy Policy.