PCL Reconstruction Surgery in India - Best Doctors, Hospitals & Treatment Cost

PCL or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure that helps to restore PCL structure and treat any kind of tear of the ligament. It is also one of the most common ligament surgery globally. Unsurprisingly, every year thousands of people from Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia and Ghana visit India for cost-effective arthroscopic PCL surgery.

India offers the highest quality PCL treatment with cutting-edge infrastructure, skilled surgeons and advanced equipment support to offer world-class PCL reconstruction at the most affordable prices. Also, when the cost of PCL arthroscopic surgery in India is compared with other countries, India offers more cheaper and effective treatment making it an ideal place to do the PCL reconstruction treatment. Here, we will discuss everything you need to know about arthroscopic PCL reconstruction in India.

Reasons to Perform PCL Reconstruction

PCL reconstruction is a minor surgery to restore the PCL or posterior cruciate ligament of your. Knee injury is a common problem that affects people across the globe. However, not all knee injuries or PCL tear require a reconstruction treatment. Your doctor will only prescribe this in severe cases. Below, we will discuss about it in more detail-

■ Grade 2 PCL rapture

Grade 2 PCL rapture is a severe PCL tear that comes with acute pain and partial to complete immobility. This type of ligament tear mostly occurs due to sudden rotation of the knee, excessive exercise, trauma, weightlifting and other strenuous physical activities.

■ Grade 2 PCL rapture with other ligament injury

Grade 2 PCL rapture with other ligament rapture is also a severe condition where the PCL grade 2 rapture has occurred with other ligament injury. It mostly occurs due to accidents, physical trauma and sudden movement of the knee.

Symptoms indicating a PCL Reconstruction

• Pain gets worse with time
• Unstable knee or feeling of. Instability
• Swelling and inflammation
• Stiffness
• Trouble taking stares
• Difficulty in walking

Remember, that PCL injury in kids mostly does not require PCL ligament reconstruction surgery. In severe cases, your pediatric doctor can recommend a PCL reconstruction. They will perform a basic diagnosis to determine the PCL condition and severity of the tear to make a treatment plan accordingly. 

Different Types of PCL Injury

Not all PCL rapture or tears require an arthroscopic PCL reconstruction surgery. The type of PCL injury and its severity determine whether one may need to do a PCL arthroscopic surgery or non-surgical treatment would help. Here are some common types of PCL injury divided into different grades depending on the severity of the tear-

• Grade I - Grade I tear refers to a partial tear present on the PCL ligament. 
• Grade II - In this grade of PCL injury a partial tear is present on the ligament also the ligament feels looser than usual.
• Grade III - This is more severe than the above and the ligament is completely torn with an unstable knee.
• Grade IV - Grade IV PCL injury is the most severe PCL injury where PCL arthroscopic surgery is a must to restore the PCL ligament. In this condition PCL ruptures with other ligament damage. 

Different Types of PCL Reconstruction

PCL Reconstruction refers to a surgical procedure that helps to treat the damaged or hurt PCL and restore it to its original state. However, PCL reconstruction can be performed with various methods including open, laparoscopic and so on. Below, we will discuss some essential methods of PCL reconstruction surgeries-

1. Open PCL reconstruction

Open PCL reconstruction is the traditional method of reconstructing the PCL ligament by making a straight slit on the knee and wide open the knee to access the PCL ligament and reconstruct it.

2. Arthroscopic PCL reconstruction

PCL reconstruction surgical technique is the best for repairing the damaged PCL ligament. PCL arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that helps to treat damaged PCL without the need for open surgery. Arthroscopy for PCL reconstruction can be either with allograft or autograft.

3. Autograft

Autograft is where the arthroscopic procedure is done using the tissue pieces from the patient’s body to repair the PCL ligament.

4. Allograft

Unlike autograft, in allograft tissue to repair PCL is taken from the donor instead of taking it from the patient body. Allograft is mostly recommended when taking the tissue from a patient's body is risky or impossible.

5. Single bundle PCL reconstruction

PCL is made with two tissue bands or bundles. So, a single bundle PCL reconstruction suggests the repair of a single bundle of tissues. It is useful for partial damage to the PCL.

6. Double bundle PCL reconstruction

As the name suggests, double bundle PCL reconstruction helps to reconstruct both tissue bundles of the PCL ligament. It is primarily used to treat completely damaged PCL where both tissue bundle requires repairing. 

Non-surgical alternative treatment for PCL Reconstruction

PCL surgery is only suggested where other non-surgical methods do not work. In mild cases of PCL injury non-surgical alternatives usually work to restore the PCL to its original condition. So, learning about the non-surgical alternative is also crucial when looking for PCL injury treatment. Here are some common non-surgical alternatives to mild PCL injury-

■ RICE method

The RICE method is doctor suggested method for any ligament injury (primary care) including PCL injuries. In cases of injuries, one needs to rest (R), apply ice (I), try compression (C) maintain leg elevation (E) for a certain time and observe the condition.

■ NSAIDs

In addition to the RICE method, one can also use NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to cope with the pain and discomfort.

■ Crutch

Using crutches for a few days or weeks for walking can also help by reducing the excess stress on the knee.

■ Knee cap

Using knee caps or braces can also help with mild PCL injuries and help it to heal without any surgical intervention.

Top Arthroscopic PCL reconstruction Surgeons in India

1. Dr. Manoj Miglani

2. Dr. Hitesh Garg

3. Dr. Ramandeep Singh Dang

4. Dr. Sachin Kandhari

PCL Reconstruction Cost

The posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction cost in India depends on several factors like hospital charges, location, method of treatment, surgeon's fee and other medical expenses. Generally, the cost of PCL rehabilitation surgery in India can range from USD2000 to USD5000 which is much lower than first world countries. One can get quality PCL treatment at affordable charges in India. Consult with your healthcare provider to get an accurate estimation of the overall cost of knee PCL surgery.

PCL Reconstruction Procedure Steps

PCL reconstruction surgery is a process of repairing the torn or damaged PCL ligament. However, the procedure can differ from the type of surgery your doctor has prescribed. For example, the procedure of arthroscopic PCL reconstruction is different from the open arthroscopic. Once your doctor diagnoses your condition they will suggest you your treatment plan and procedure in detail.

PCL Reconstruction Recovery Time

The recovery time for PCL rehabilitation surgery can vary from one patient to another. It also depends on the severity of the PCL tear or injury. However, the average PCL operation recovery time is 6-7 months. A patient should expect 2-3 weeks of rest before they can progressively use braces and crutches for minimal movements. A patient should wait for complete healing before they assume regular and strenuous activities. One should consult with their surgeon for details about post-operative dos the don'ts.

PCL Reconstruction Insurance Coverage

Whether your insurance can cover the charges of a PCL rehabilitation surgery or not depends on your policy type, its limitations and terms and conditions. Some policies can cover the charges of PCL surgery fully while others may partially. Consult with your insurance provider and healthcare provider to know whether your PCL reconstruction treatment comes under the policy coverage and if yes how much coverage you will get.

PCL Reconstruction Surgery FAQs