ACL/PCL Reconstruction Surgery
At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our expert orthopedic surgeons specialize in advanced ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction surgeries. These two ligaments are among the most important stabilizers of the knee. When they are torn or severely injured, the result is often pain, instability, and difficulty returning to sports or even daily activities.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of athletes and active individuals undergo ACL or PCL reconstruction to restore knee stability and get back to the activities they love. Whether you suffered an ACL tear on the soccer field or a PCL injury from a car accident or sports collision, our team provides personalized surgical care, comprehensive rehabilitation, and long-term guidance to protect your knee health.
What is ACL & PCL Reconstruction?
ACL Reconstruction replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a tissue graft. This surgery restores stability between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) and prevents the knee from giving way during pivoting, jumping, or sudden directional changes.
PCL Reconstruction focuses on the posterior cruciate ligament, which prevents the shin bone from sliding backward under the thigh bone. PCL injuries are less common than ACL injuries but often occur in high-impact trauma (such as car accidents or contact sports). When the PCL is completely torn and conservative treatment isn’t enough, reconstruction surgery is the most effective option.
In both surgeries, the damaged ligament is replaced with either your own tissue (autograft) or carefully selected donor tissue (allograft). Using advanced arthroscopic techniques, our surgeons perform these procedures through small incisions, resulting in less scarring, less pain, and faster recovery times compared to open surgery.
Who Needs ACL or PCL Reconstruction?
Not all ligament injuries require surgery. But in many cases, reconstruction is the best way to restore full knee stability and protect against further damage. You may be a candidate for ACL or PCL reconstruction if you experience:
- Frequent knee instability (the knee “giving out” during activity)
- Difficulty with daily movement, such as climbing stairs, walking on uneven ground, or getting out of a chair
- Desire to return to high-demand sports such as basketball, soccer, football, skiing, or other pivot-heavy activities
- Combined injuries (ligament tears with meniscus or cartilage damage)
- Severe trauma causing a complete ligament rupture
For patients with lower activity levels or partial ligament tears, nonsurgical management (physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification) may be appropriate. Our orthopedic surgeons carefully evaluate your unique case and help you choose the best treatment plan.
Benefits of ACL & PCL Reconstruction
- Restores stability and confidence in your knee
- Enables a safe return to sports and high-level activity
- Protects cartilage and meniscus from further damage
- Reduces the risk of long-term arthritis and joint degeneration
- Improves overall mobility and quality of life
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Recovery from ACL or PCL reconstruction is a structured process. While every patient heals differently, most follow this general timeline:
- First 2 weeks: Swelling control, pain management, and gentle motion exercises
- Weeks 3-6: Begin weight-bearing, strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings, restore walking pattern
- Months 2-4: Increase strength, balance, and stability with targeted therapy
- Months 4-9: Sport-specific drills, running progression, and agility work
- Months 9-12: Final clearance for return to competitive sports or high-impact activity
Our physical therapists work closely with our surgeons to ensure you progress safely and meet every milestone on the road to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the ACL and PCL?
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) are two key ligaments that stabilize the knee, but they serve different functions. The ACL prevents the shin bone (tibia) from sliding forward relative to the thigh bone (femur) and controls rotational stability during pivoting or cutting movements. The PCL prevents the tibia from sliding backward and provides stability when the knee is bent or under high-impact forces. Both ligaments work together to maintain overall knee stability, and injury to either can cause instability, pain, and difficulty with daily activities or sports.
Can ACL or PCL reconstruction be performed if I have arthritis in my knee?
In many cases, mild to moderate arthritis does not automatically rule out ACL or PCL reconstruction. Your surgeon will evaluate your cartilage health, bone structure, and activity goals to determine whether reconstruction will provide meaningful stability and improved function. In advanced arthritis, alternative procedures such as partial or total knee replacement may be recommended instead.
Is it possible to have both ACL and PCL reconstructed at the same time?
Yes. In cases of multi-ligament injuries where both the ACL and PCL are torn, simultaneous reconstruction is possible and often preferred to restore full knee stability. Your surgeon will develop a customized surgical plan, sometimes staging the procedures depending on the severity of damage, overall knee condition, and your recovery goals.
Can I prevent future ACL or PCL injuries after surgery?
While reconstruction restores stability, proper rehabilitation, strength training, and injury-prevention techniques are essential to reduce the risk of reinjury. Focus on quadriceps and hamstring strengthening, balance training, and sport-specific drills. Wearing a supportive knee brace during high-risk activities may also provide additional protection.
Are there any long-term activity restrictions after ACL or PCL reconstruction?
Most patients can return to full activity after completing rehabilitation and receiving clearance from their surgeon. However, patients may be advised to avoid high-impact contact sports if they are at increased risk for reinjury or if other knee conditions are present. Modifications may be individualized based on age, lifestyle, and overall knee health.
Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics
- Expert orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine and joint reconstruction
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques for faster recovery and reduced scarring
- Comprehensive care from diagnosis through surgery and rehabilitation
- Proven outcomes with high rates of return to sports and long-term knee stability
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your age, activity level, and goals
At PBSO, we combine advanced surgical expertise with compassionate, patient-first care. From your initial consultation to your return to play, we’re with you every step of the way.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’ve experienced a serious ACL or PCL injury, don’t let knee instability hold you back. At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our orthopedic surgeons are here to help you heal, rebuild strength, and return to the activities you love.
Call today or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation with one of our ACL and PCL reconstruction experts.
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