Overview
The posterior cruciate ligament, also known as PCL, is one of four ligaments found in the knee joint. As one of the main ligaments of the knee joint, injuries may cause severe limitation of motion and movement as well as extreme pain.  The posterior cruciate ligament is located directly behind the anterior cruciate ligament. The posterior cruciate ligament is responsible for keeping the tibia or shin bone in place.

PCL Reconstruction Procedure
Reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament will depend on the severity of the injury. Injuries to the PCL are graded one through three:

• Grade I: partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament
• Grade II: complete or isolated tear to the posterior cruciate ligament
• Grade III: torn posterior cruciate ligament in addition to injury to additional or surrounding ligaments

Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction offers greater stability, range of motion, and movement for an individual. In most cases, a graft will be placed at the point of injury.  A number of different types of grafts are available to surgeons, depending again on the severity of the injury.

In most cases, reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament will be performed through a laparoscopic or arthroscopic assisted technique, or an open PCL reconstruction. Tunnels are drilled into the area surrounding the head of the tibia and the graft fixed into the knee joint with screws.

Individuals undergoing PCL reconstruction may be required to maintain extended stay to bill itty of the knee joint for 2 to 4 weeks.  In some cases, a patient may be required to utilize the CPM (continuous pass of motion) machine they can be used when sleeping or lying down to help with healing and continued range of motion.  Total recovery time for PCL reconstruction may be as long as 6 to 9 months for some individuals.

Benefits of PCL Reconstruction Surgery
PCL reconstruction surgeries and procedures increase range of motion and reduce pain and swelling in those suffering from various forms of sports or work injuries. The goal of any knee surgical procedure is to improve quality of life and mobility and as such is often recommended for treatment of various diseases processes and injuries. An individual experiencing chronic pain from knee ligament injury to the posterior cruciate ligament will benefit from less pain, increased mobility, strength and stability of the knee joint following PCL reconstruction surgery.

How Much Does PCL Cost?
Actual repair or reconstruction costs of the posterior cruciate ligament may average around $3,000 using arthroscopy, but hospital costs, surgeon's fees and anesthesiologist fees and physical therapy costs add up, leaving many individuals, depending on medical coverage, paying between $10,000 to $30,000 for the procedure in the United States. Costs will also depend on the severity of the injury and the type of surgical procedure suggested by the orthopedic surgeon. The same surgical procedure and treatment in India may average around $3,500, while medical patients traveling to Mexico or Costa Rica may pay an average between $4,000 to $9,000.

Who Performs PCL Procedures?
Orthopedic surgeons must pass board certification following oral and written examinations in their native or adoptive countries of origin. In the United States, this is the American Orthopedic Association, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons or the American Board of Medical Specialties.

No matter where you live, you should be able to check the credentials of any physician or surgeon through a State, Provincial or National Board of Orthopedic Surgeons to find information about any particular physician, surgeon or specialist in various orthopedic treatment and surgical fields.