Plastic surgery of the posterior cruciate ligament

POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (PCL)

is an important structural element of the knee joint. It stabilizes the knee joint and prevents the tibia from moving backwards excessively. The posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments together form a cruciate joint inside the knee that helps hold the knee joint together.

Causes of injury to the posterior cruciate ligament:

The posterior ligament, consisting of two fiber bundles, is strong, which makes it difficult to damage, but possible as a result of a strong frontal blow to the upper third of the tibia. A tear of the posterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint occurs as a result:

 

  • accidents on the road during emergency braking, accompanied by a shin impact on the dashboard of the car
  • fall of a pedestrian or motorcyclist when a vehicle hits them
  • unsuccessful landing after a jump
  • a strong lateral collision between football or rugby players on the field during a game
  • skiers hitting obstacles at high speeds

 

There are also non-contact causes of injury caused by the peculiarities of the structure of the human musculoskeletal system or degenerative changes in the knee joint. Since a torn ACL is caused by a strong impact, most patients have concomitant injuries in the form of dislocations, sprains, and fractures.

Signs of a torn posterior cruciate ligament:

  • sharp and severe pain at the time of injury
  • > swelling of the knee joint
  • bruising on the lower leg on the back side
  • feeling a characteristic click when the ligament is stretched and torn
  • disorders of the knee joint function

Plastic surgery of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)

- is an arthroscopic intervention aimed at removing the damaged ligament and replacing it with a graft. This procedure is also known as transplantation or reconstruction. If the operation is performed properly, the functionality of the joint is fully restored.

To replace the ligament, the patient's own tendons are used, usually the semitendinosus muscle or the vastus medialis muscle. The use of these tissues ensures minimal disruption of knee joint function, minimizes cosmetic defects, and facilitates faster rehabilitation.

The operation is performed by arthroscopy, a high-precision surgical intervention that avoids damage to soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels. All manipulations are performed in the area of the injury, which eliminates the formation of noticeable scars or scars.

During arthroscopic plastic surgery:

  • the doctor penetrates the intra-articular capsule with an arthroscope;
  • performs cleaning of the joint from the consequences of a torn posterior cruciate ligament;
  • performs transplantation of the ligamentous apparatus.

Rehabilitation after surgery

During the first month, it is necessary to avoid any load on the injured leg. It is recommended that the patient use crutches to get around. In the first two weeks after the surgery, the patient undergoes physical therapy and physiotherapy under the supervision of a doctor. After about a month, the patient switches from crutches to a cane, and then to walking without additional devices.

Returning to normal life is possible only after the graft is strengthened. Full restoration of joint function usually takes about three months, in some cases up to six months.

 

Evoliutіs
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