PCL Centre

Advanced Care for Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) is one of the strongest and most important stabilising ligaments of the knee. Although less common than ACL injuries, PCL injuries are often more complex and are frequently associated with other ligament, meniscal or cartilage injuries.

At the PCL Centre, Dr. Anand Jadhav offers comprehensive diagnosis, advanced arthroscopic reconstruction, joint preservation techniques and personalised rehabilitation to restore knee stability and function.

Whether your injury is isolated or part of a complex multi-ligament knee injury, our goal is to help you return safely to an active lifestyle.

PCL Injuries — Understanding Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

What is the PCL?

The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) is located deep within the knee and connects the femur to the tibia. It prevents the tibia from moving backwards and provides stability during walking, climbing stairs, running and sporting activities.

PCL injuries account for approximately 5–20% of ligament injuries and are commonly associated with high-energy trauma or sports injuries.

Common Causes of PCL Injuries

• Road traffic accidents (dashboard injuries)
• Sports injuries
• Falls onto a bent knee
• Hyperflexion injuries
• Hyperextension injuries
• Multi-ligament knee injuries

Symptoms of PCL Injury

• Pain and swelling
• Difficulty walking downhill or downstairs
• Feeling of instability
• Reduced sporting performance
• Knee giving way during activity

Diagnosis of PCL Injury

• Clinical Examination
• Digital X-rays
• MRI Scan
• Stress Radiographs (when indicated)
• CT Scan in selected cases

Treatments for PCL Injury

• Physiotherapy
• Functional Bracing
• Arthroscopic PCL Reconstruction
• Multi-Ligament Reconstruction

When is PCL Surgery Needed?

Not every PCL tear requires surgery. Many isolated Grade I and Grade II injuries can heal successfully with structured rehabilitation and functional bracing.

Surgery is generally recommended for:

• Grade III PCL tears
• Persistent instability
• Combined ligament injuries
• Avulsion fractures
• Young active individuals
• Athletes wishing to return to pivoting sports
• Chronic symptomatic PCL deficiency

Arthroscopic PCL Reconstruction

Modern PCL reconstruction is performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. The damaged ligament is reconstructed using a tendon graft placed in anatomically correct tunnels to restore normal knee stability.

Advantages

• Small incisions
• Anatomical reconstruction
• Improved knee stability
• Faster recovery
• Excellent functional outcomes

Our aim is to restore the natural biomechanics of the knee while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Graft Options for PCL Reconstruction

Selecting the appropriate graft is an important part of successful PCL surgery. Common options include:

The ideal graft is chosen after considering the patient's age, activity level, previous surgeries and functional requirements.

When is Multi-Ligament Knee Reconstruction Needed?

PCL injuries frequently occur alongside injuries to:

• ACL
• MCL
• LCL
• Posterolateral Corner (PLC)
• Posteromedial Corner (PMC)

These complex injuries require meticulous planning and may involve reconstruction of multiple ligaments during a single-stage or staged procedure. Treatment is individualised to restore knee stability and optimise long-term outcomes. Read more about Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries →

Meniscus & Cartilage Preservation with PCL Injuries

PCL injuries are commonly associated with damage to the meniscus and articular cartilage. Whenever possible, treatment focuses on preserving these important structures through:

• Meniscus Repair
• Meniscus Root Repair
• Cartilage Repair Procedures
• Osteochondral Fixation
• Microfracture Surgery (when appropriate)

When is Revision PCL Reconstruction Needed?

Revision surgery may be required when a previous PCL reconstruction fails due to:

• Re-injury
• Graft failure
• Tunnel malposition
• Missed associated ligament injuries
• Persistent instability
• Technical factors

Revision surgery requires careful planning, advanced imaging and specialised expertise to achieve the best possible outcome.

How is the Rehabilitation After PCL Reconstruction?

Successful outcomes depend on a structured rehabilitation programme. The programme focuses on:

• Protection of the healing graft
• Gradual restoration of knee movement
• Quadriceps strengthening
• Balance and proprioception
• Functional rehabilitation
• Sport-specific training

Rehabilitation protocols are customised according to the type of injury and surgical procedure performed.

When is it Safe to Return to Sports After PCL Surgery?

Returning to sports is a gradual process guided by functional recovery rather than time alone. Before returning to full activity, patients undergo assessment of:

• Knee stability
• Muscle strength
• Balance and coordination
• Functional performance
• Sport-specific skills

Many patients are able to return to recreational and competitive sports following successful surgery and rehabilitation.

Why Choose Dr. Anand Jadhav?

With over 30 years of orthopaedic experience and 12 years of practice in the NHS, United Kingdom, Dr. Anand Jadhav has developed a special interest in complex knee ligament reconstruction and sports medicine.

His expertise includes:

• Primary & Revision PCL Reconstruction
• Arthroscopic PCL Surgery
• Multi-Ligament Knee Reconstruction
• Meniscus Preservation & Root Repair
• Osteochondral Injury Management
• Cartilage Restoration
• Sports Knee Arthroscopy
• Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation

Every patient receives an individualised treatment plan designed to restore knee stability, preserve the joint and help them safely return to work, sports and everyday activities.