Treatment of PCL injuries
Self-care
Most minor soft tissue injury can be managed at home with rest and anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen.
Management will involve the PRICE regime (protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation).
Physiotherapy
PCL damage can be improved through physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist will give you exercises to help widen your range of motion and to build up muscle around your knee.
Surgery
Depending on your activity levels, profession, and only if the knee is unstable, your surgeon may offer PCL reconstruction.
The operation is usually carried out through keyhole surgery (arthroscopically). The ligament is repaired by grafting a tendon (either from your own leg, or from a donor) or an artifical ligament (such as the LARS ligament) in place of the PCL. This is done in conjunction with repair of other injuries to the knee, commonly the posterior lateral corner (PLC) or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Complete recovery from surgery can take from six to 12 months with the help of a proper rehabilitation programme, including physiotherapy for nine to twelve months. You may need to wear a brace in the first six to twelve weeks following surgery.
