PCL Tear Reconstruction
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee, connecting the femur to the back of the tibia and preventing the tibia from sliding backward. PCL tears are less common than ACL injuries but can cause significant instability, pain, and long-term articular cartilage damage if not properly managed.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Many isolated, low-grade PCL tears (Grade I and II) can be treated successfully with physical therapy and bracing, as the PCL has a better healing capacity than the ACL. However, complete PCL ruptures (Grade III), tears combined with other ligament injuries (such as posterolateral corner or ACL injuries), and cases where conservative treatment has failed typically require surgical reconstruction to restore knee stability.
The Reconstruction Procedure
PCL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a graft — either taken from the patient's own tissue (autograft, such as patellar tendon or hamstring tendon) or from donor tissue (allograft). Dr. Cooper performs PCL reconstruction arthroscopically when possible, minimizing trauma to surrounding structures. The graft is secured in anatomic tunnels drilled in the femur and tibia, recreating the native PCL's orientation and biomechanics.
In complex multi-ligament knee injuries, PCL reconstruction is coordinated with repair or reconstruction of other injured structures in a single surgical setting, carefully staged to optimize outcomes.
Recovery
Recovery from PCL reconstruction is a demanding process. Because of the unique forces on the posterior knee, rehabilitation progresses more gradually than ACL recovery. Patients typically use a brace and limit weight-bearing initially, then advance through strengthening and neuromuscular training over six to nine months. Return to competitive sport generally occurs between nine and twelve months, depending on graft incorporation, strength symmetry, and functional testing results.
Dr. Cooper works closely with experienced physical therapists to guide patients through every stage of recovery, with the goal of achieving a stable, pain-free knee and return to full activity.
