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NCT Number: NCT00991588

Clinical Outcome of Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Posterolateral Reconstruction

The purpose of this investigation is to determine the clinical outcome of surgical reconstruction of complete ruptures to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral structures of the knee joint. The outcome will be determined with validated and rigorous knee rating systems between 2 and 10 years postoperatively. The results will be determined by the analysis of subjective and functional factors, sports and occupational activity levels, a comprehensive physical examination, and a radiographic evaluation. We hypothesize that the appropriately indicated procedures will effectively restore normal knee stability and function in patients with isolated or combined injuries to these structures.

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Key information

Conditions

Knee Injuries Leg Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Cincinnati Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Center

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242, United States

About this study

Because injuries to the PCL and posterolateral structures occur with less frequency than other structures in the knee joint (such as the anterior cruciate ligament and menisci), fewer studies are available to assist the surgeon and patient with appropriate decision-making regarding conservative versus surgical treatment. The majority of patients who sustain injury to these structures are treated conservatively. Unfortunately, several investigations describe noteworthy symptoms and functional limitations following conservative management, and a high percentage of patients develop knee osteoarthritis that can be disabling for both recreational and daily activities. The investigators of this study have nearly three decades of experience and have extensively studied the effects of this injury in both the laboratory and clinic settings. It is our opinion that surgical reconstruction provides significant benefit when appropriately indicated, as has been demonstrated in our previous studies. Especially in athletic individuals, PCL and posterolateral reconstructive procedures have advanced to the point where more predictable results can be expected to restore sufficient knee function. Studies have demonstrated, at least in the short-term, that the majority of patients with acute ligament ruptures treated with reconstruction are able to return to various levels of sports activities.12 Whether these procedures will decrease the risk of the patient developing future osteoarthritis is unknown and requires further study.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Complete rupture to the posterior cruciate ligament, greater than 10 mm of increased posterior tibial translation
  • Rupture to the posterolateral knee structures, greater than 5 mm of increased lateral tibiofemoral joint opening, greater than 10 degrees of increased external tibial rotation
  • Patient willing to comply with postoperative rehabilitation program

Exclusion criteria

  • Patient unwilling to participate

Treatment and study plan

PCL, posterolateral reconstruction

Procedure

The operative procedures involve either a single- or double-strand PCL graft which is usually harvested from the patient's knee. In cases of multiple ligament procedures, allograft tissues may be used which are obtained from tissue banks certified by the American Associate of Tissue Banks and that have passed FDA inspection. The posterolateral structures, including the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), are reconstructed with one or two grafts, depending upon the severity of damage encountered at surgery.

Primary outcomes

  1. Elimination of knee giving-way

    Time frame: Minimum 2 years postoperatively

Secondary outcomes

  1. Posterior tibial translation

    Time frame: Minimum 2 years postoperative

  2. Lateral tibiofemoral joint opening

    Time frame: Minimum 2 years postoperatively

  3. External tibial rotation

    Time frame: Minimum 2 years postoperatively

  4. Elimination of knee pain

    Time frame: Minimum 2 years postoperatively

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sue Barber-Westin

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterolateral Structures of the Knee

Important dates

Study start
2009
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2018
First posted
Oct 8, 2009
Registry last updated
Jul 31, 2019

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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