Dr. Sean Leo specializes in PCL injury treatment, bringing over 25 years of orthopedic expertise. He utilizes advanced, minimally invasive techniques for PCL reconstruction to restore knee stability, enhance mobility, and facilitate a confident return to daily activities or sports.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries are less common but still significant, particularly among athletes involved in high-impact sports or activities that put stress on the knee joint. PCL injuries can range from mild strains to complete tears, often causing symptoms that affect knee stability and movement.
The PCL is located at the back of the knee and helps prevent the tibia (shin bone) from moving too far backward relative to the femur (thigh bone). When injured, it can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement, especially during activities that involve running or jumping.
Recognizing PCL injury symptoms early and consulting a knee specialist is essential to determine the appropriate treatment. While many PCL injuries can improve with rest, physiotherapy, and bracing, more severe tears may require surgical reconstruction to restore knee function.
Exploring treatment options early supports a faster recovery and a return to normal activity or sports with confidence.
Patients often experience pain in the back of the knee, particularly when pressure is applied or during certain movements.
Swelling typically develops within hours of the injury, as fluid and blood accumulate in the knee joint, making it feel tight and stiff.
Pain and swelling may limit the knee’s ability to bend or straighten properly, affecting mobility.
A feeling of instability or weakness in the knee, especially when bearing weight, is common with more severe tears of the PCL.
For a complete PCL tear, surgical reconstruction may be necessary to restore knee stability and function. This procedure often involves minimally invasive techniques to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligament. In cases where the injury is less severe, non-surgical options such as bracing and physical therapy can be effective, particularly for partial tears or in individuals with lower activity levels.
Dr. Sean Leo specializes in advanced PCL reconstruction techniques, offering personalized care to promote optimal healing and recovery. The treatment plan will be tailored to the severity of the injury, your activity level, age, and overall health.
A comprehensive evaluation by a knee specialist is crucial to determine the best approach for your PCL injury, ensuring the best possible outcome for restoring knee stability and mobility.
PCL injuries, particularly complete tears, often require surgical intervention to restore knee stability and function. While some PCL injuries may heal with rest and rehabilitation, certain factors can indicate the need for surgery.
Surgical intervention for PCL injuries may be recommended if:
Early consultation with a knee specialist is essential to evaluate the injury and determine the best course of action for recovery, ensuring the long-term health and stability of your knee.
Recovery from PCL surgery typically takes about 6 to 9 months, with a full recovery and return to sports or intense physical activities often requiring up to 12 months. The exact timeline can vary depending on individual factors, the severity of the injury, and rehabilitation progress.
The recovery process generally follows these phases:
Initial phase (0-2 weeks)
Focus on pain management, reducing swelling, and regaining basic mobility.
Early rehabilitation (2-6 weeks)
Start improving range of motion and engage in light strength exercises.
Intermediate phase (6-12 weeks)
Progressive strengthening exercises and balance training.
Advanced rehabilitation (3-6 months)
Sport-specific training, enhancing agility and coordination
Return to activity (6-12 months)
Gradual return to full sports participation with specific drills that mimic real-game scenarios.
While each recovery journey may differ, a personalized rehabilitation plan, guided by an experienced knee specialist, is crucial for a safe and effective recovery.
PCL surgery is generally highly successful, with excellent outcomes in restoring knee stability and function. Modern surgical techniques, combined with advancements in rehabilitation, have greatly improved results for patients undergoing PCL reconstruction.
Key indicators of success include:
While PCL surgery boasts a high success rate, as with any procedure, there are potential risks and complications. Some patients may require revision surgery if the ligament does not heal as expected. Success is influenced by factors such as rehabilitation adherence, graft choice, and individual healing capacity.
Regular follow-up visits with your orthopedic specialist are essential throughout the recovery process to ensure optimal healing and long-term knee health.
Cost of procedure varies based on the complexity of the surgery to be performed and individual insurance panel specifications. These will be discussed with you by Dr Sean’s clinic staff after the consultation should you wish to proceed with surgery. The clinic staff are experienced in assisting with applications for letter of guarantees from various insurance panels and corporate insurance panels.
Factors influencing the cost include: