Contact number: 020 7806 4010
Contact number: 020 7078 3831
What is PCL Reconstruction?
PCL reconstruction addresses tears or injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament, located at the back of the knee. This ligament plays a crucial role in stabilising the joint and preventing excessive backward movement of the tibia.
The procedure typically involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft, which can be taken from your own tissue or a donor. It is often performed arthroscopically, using small incisions to minimise recovery time and discomfort.
This surgery is commonly recommended for patients with significant PCL injuries that have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as bracing or physiotherapy.
PCL Reconstruction at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide personalised care for patients requiring PCL reconstruction. Our skilled surgeons use modern techniques to ensure effective treatment and a smooth recovery process.
Why choose us for PCL reconstruction?
- Specialist Knee Surgeons: Our consultants are experts in knee ligament reconstruction and repair.
- Minimally Invasive Methods: We use advanced arthroscopic techniques to reduce recovery times and improve outcomes.
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation Support: Our team provides tailored physiotherapy programmes to support your recovery and long-term results.
- Accessible Location: Based in NW8, we serve patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the wider London area.
We are committed to helping you regain confidence in your knee’s strength and mobility through expert care and support.
Medically reviewed by Mr Sujith Konan - MBBS MD(res) MRCS FRCS(Tr&Orth), Honorary Associate Professor (UCLH)
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Appointment
You will have an initial consultation with a specialist knee surgeon.
Treatment plan
During this appointment, you will go through your medical history, have a knee exam and if needed, be referred for an up-to-date scan (such as X-rays, MRI or CT) of your knee. If surgery is recommended, your doctor will explain the risk and benefits of surgery and what to expect from recovery. Together, you will decide whether a PCL reconstruction is the best option for you.
Prehab
Your knee needs to be in the best condition possible before surgery, as this will lead to better outcomes. Once your swelling has gone down, you should follow your physiotherapist’s exercise programme. Exercises to strengthen your thigh muscles (quadriceps) are especially important after PCL injuries.
Pre-op assessment
If you decide to go ahead with surgery, you will need to come in for a pre-assessment, which is a standard ‘fitness for surgery’ check.
Surgery
You will be able to walk the same day with the help of a knee brace or crutches. You can go home the same day.
Aftercare
You will need to keep your wound clean and dry, take pain relief and have physiotherapy consistently. You will not be able to fly short haul for six weeks or long-haul for 12 weeks. We have an excellent therapies team at our hospital that can support you throughout your recovery.
Follow-Up
You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor at two weeks, where any stitches will be removed. You may need further check-ups at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About PCL Reconstruction
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- By Bus:
Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our hospital ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes
PCL reconstruction surgery typically takes one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the injury and the surgical technique used.
Recovery involves rest, physiotherapy, and gradual weight-bearing activities. Most patients can resume light activities within six to eight weeks, but full recovery may take six months to a year, depending on your rehabilitation plan.
It will take approximately two weeks for your wound to heal, and you should see your doctor at this point for a post-surgery check, where any clips or non-dissolvable stitches will be removed. Dissolvable stitches should disappear on their own after around three weeks.
After 2-3 weeks, you should be able to start walking without crutches/the brace and put more weight on your knee. You should be able to return to office work at this point as well, though if you have a manual job, you may have to wait up to 3 months.
From 2 weeks onwards, you should do your physiotherapy exercises regularly as these will help improve your balance, flexibility in your knee, and increase the strength in the surrounding muscles. You should be able to start driving again after 3-4 weeks or once putting weight on your knee feels comfortable.
Many people, especially those who live an active lifestyle, will be tempted to rush the recovery process. But this is to your own detriment. When you’re recovering from PCL reconstruction, it can take up to 6 months before the new and intact ligament is working to its full potential. However, your recovery may take longer – everyone is different.
In the weeks following an operation, patients have a slightly higher risk of a blood clot, so will need to avoid flying. You should wait six weeks before taking a short haul flight (under six hours) and 12 weeks before taking a long-haul flight.
You will need someone to collect you and stay with you overnight as anaesthetic and sedation can make you feel very tired for around 24 hours. During this time you should not drink alcohol, cook or make important decisions.
If possible, arrange for someone to help you for a couple of weeks post-surgery as well, as your knee will be bruised, swollen and quite painful for 1-2 weeks after surgery. During this time, take your prescribed painkillers, apply a cold wrap to your knee, and keep your leg elevated as much as possible. When moving around use crutches or a knee brace as you should not put too much weight on your knee at this point.
The surgery is performed under anaesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. Some swelling and discomfort are expected afterwards, however, this can be managed with prescribed medication and a structured rehabilitation plan.
PCL reconstruction is recommended for patients with severe ligament tears or instability that cannot be managed with non-surgical treatments like bracing or physiotherapy. It is often required for athletes or active individuals seeking to regain full knee function.