PCL Reconstruction Surgery, Benefits & Treatment
As in ACL, the process involving PCL too needs a grafting technique. For grafting the torn PCL chunk of the hamstring tendons are utilized. But if the process needs repairing more than one ligament at the same time then various graft materials may be used.
In most of the procedures especially formulated, screws are used for securing the graft material within bone saps made in the knee. The procedure usually involves a day of stay.
Benefits of PCL reconstruction Surgery
The reason behind PCL reconstruction surgery is to give stability to an unstable joint or likely to be unstable joint.
Meniscal and articular cartilage injury is supposed to get lessened by the joint stabilization process. Which also decreases the chances of later osteoarthritic damage. It also helps to return to activities that were not possible before the procedure of PCL.
Expectation after the PCL reconstruction
There is only slight uneasiness after a PCL reconstruction procedure. The knee is padded with an absorbent pad. There may be a discharge of fluid used during the process with a faint red tint. The drainage may be for 24-36 hours. A knee brace is used too in case of multiple ligaments repair to protect it. The process doesn’t need hospitalization with most of the patients
going back home the same day.
What will be the recovery time?
Most people can put as much weight on their legs as they can bear except as have been advised not to do so post-surgery. Crutches may be needed for 2 to 3 days for convenience
Whenever required.
Most people start walking considerably comfortably by the 2nd week of the procedure and can start running by 6 weeks. Other day-to-day activities can be resumed according to one’s comfort zone but It is foremost not to exert much pressure too soon as this can alleviate discomfort and swelling. People with desk jobs can return to work as early as 1-2 days, People in more heavy manual employment may require 6 weeks time to return to work while people on the desk job can return to work front within 1 -2 days.
For coming back to track and field and other competitive sports or other heavy activities the rehabilitation can continue for 6 to 12 months.
Need of physiotherapy after PCL reconstruction Surgery
Physiotherapy is needed after the PCL procedure. Though PCL reconstruction is helpful in bringing about stability and near-normal function in the knee joint, the benefit of the process mostly depends on proper rehabilitation and physiotherapy considering other damage in knee joints. The rehab should always be done with the appropriate advice of a physiotherapist.
After the procedure is over, all needed information on rehabilitation will be given to direct the physiotherapist as to how to carry out the rehab. As the individual needs vary greatly so the rehab programs are flexible enough to be modified accordingly as the physiotherapist wants. Various techniques may be used provided on the types of equipment and individual needs.