Comparing weightbearing methods after knee ligament surgery

Non-Weight Bearing Versus Partial Controlled Weightbearing During the First Six Weeks of Rehabilitation After Multiple Knee Ligament Reconstruction: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Twin Cities Orthopedics · NCT05073276

This study tests whether resting the knee completely or allowing some weight on it after ligament surgery helps patients recover just as well.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 59 Years
SexAll
SponsorTwin Cities Orthopedics (other)
Locations1 site (Edina, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05073276 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the safety and effectiveness of two rehabilitation protocols for patients undergoing knee ligament reconstruction. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a non-weightbearing or partial weightbearing regimen for the first six weeks post-surgery. The study aims to assess clinical equivalence in knee stability and other recovery metrics between the two groups. The use of specialized braces will help protect the knee during the recovery process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 14 to 60 who are undergoing reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, or multiple knee ligaments.

Not a fit: Patients over 60 years old, those with previous knee surgeries, or concurrent injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation protocols that enhance recovery outcomes for knee ligament surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the standard of care is currently non-weightbearing, this approach of comparing weightbearing methods is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 14 years old, \<60
* Reconstruction of PCL alone
* Reconstruction of MCL alone
* Reconstruction of combined multiligament injuries (PCL+ (FCL, PLC, ACL, MCL))
* Reconstruction of multiligament injuries (ACL+MCL)
* Males or females
* Is willing and able to comply with the clinical trial plan and able to understand and sign the Patient Informed Consent Form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* \< 14 years old
* \>60 years old
* Pregnant
* Revision PCL reconstructions
* Previous or concurrent vascular injury (vascular bypass procedure)
* Associated fractures requiring concurrent surgery
* Concurrent meniscal root or radial repair surgery

Where this trial is running

Edina, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Knee Injuries, anterior cruciate ligament, Multiple Knee Ligament Reconstruction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.