PCL Reconstruction Surgery

PCL in more common terms is known as posterior cruciate ligament. All the ligaments serve the unique function in the human body. Posterior cruciate ligament is one among these four and also an essential ligament of the knee in maintaining constancy and to provide support to the leg. This ligament also avoids the shin bone, commonly referred as the tibia, from descending towards extreme back.

Posterior cruciate ligament helps in coordinating front to the back gesture of the knee. This ligament is also one of the largest amongst the two in the knee. Sometimes when a person is actively participating in the sports activity, posterior cruciate ligament can tear; however, it has the self-healing tendency. But this healing requires good amount of rest and time than normal. In case of extreme injury, person will have to opt for reconstructive surgery. The knee in the human body has several functions to perform. A substance is released from the front region of the knee and the area behind the knee that has restricted tendons. These both areas are adept to re-grow to a very large extend. Ligament graft is the process required to utilise and preserve this substance releases from the knee of the body.

Need for PCL reconstruction surgery-

PCL Reconstruction is carried by the method of keyhole surgery performed under normal anaesthesia. Prior to the day of procedure the patient requires to get admitted in the hospital a night before. Selection of best doctor is most important for the success of surgery.

Keyhole surgery-

Keyhole surgery is the best option for the patients opting for surgery. Keyhole Surgery is the name of minimally invasive surgery which is also called as Laparoscopic surgery. Following this procedure, surgeries are performed in such manner that they are, performed far away from the accurate location of the injury. This type of surgery involves small incisions that range from 0.5-1.5 cm in size. This method of the keyhole surgery is identified as the safe method for the surgery and also has a higher success rate.

Procedure of this surgery-

Every surgery performed has a specific procedure to undertake. This surgery lasts for around one hour or more. During the operation, surgeon will initiate with making small incisions in the knee. This cut is planned by the doctors so as to insert the important equipment’s inside the knee.  During the surgery the worn out ligaments are trimmed and finally enabling the knee for the replacement graft process.

Negative aspects of keyhole surgery-

Whenever the surgery in the body is performed, it left with some of the negative effects in the form of reactions in the body.

• Reduced tactile sensation
• Chance of damaging tissue
• Inability of judging accurately how much energy is being applied to tissue and cells.
• Reduced chance of depth perception.

Recovery process of this surgery is very quick compared to others. The Patient has undergone the anaesthetic surgery and returns to its senses in about an hour. But he feels drowsiness for some time. Generally the patient is advised to leave for home in 3 days. But the full assistance is given urgently post-surgery. He is tested in terms of weight carrying and walking ability with the help of crutches at initial times.

Does this surgical procedure have any risk factors?

Indeed! The surgery of the PCL Reconstruction is associated with certain of the risk factor. These are-

• Infections
• Small patch of numb skin.
• diffusion of blood vessels
• trocar injuries
• umbilical injury infection
• hemorrhage
• force on the phrenic nerve
• umbilical hernias
• abdominal wall hematoma
• Vascular injuries

Advantages for Key hope PCL Reconstruction-

Certainly there are number of advantages while undergoing PCL reconstruction surgery as mentioned below –

• Reduced pain
• Reduced haemorrhaging
• Short recovery period
• Positive outcome.

What one must do after this surgery?

Many researches have indicated that the success or failure of keyhole surgery is entirely subjected to the condition of the patient, his past records etc. The surgery is also highly dependent on the expertise of the surgeon and his ability to place sockets in correct position. Proper utilization of the medical equipment is also a necessary demand for the surgery being successful. Once the symptoms are visible, person should immediately contact a doctor. Patient should carefully follow all the suggestions and advices of the doctor. He should also follow proper medical prescription as guided by the surgeon.