Rehabilitation options for patients with acute PCL injuries

Kneelaxity and Self-reported Knee Function After Rehabilitation With the Use of Dynamic Kneeorthosis for Patients With Acute Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Oslo University Hospital · NCT02974205

This study is testing different rehab methods for people with recent PCL injuries to see which one helps their knee feel more stable and function better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorOslo University Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Lørenskog and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02974205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of different rehabilitation protocols for patients with acute isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. It aims to determine if one rehabilitation method leads to better knee joint stability and improved patient-reported knee function compared to others. A total of 75 patients will be randomly assigned to different treatment groups and followed up at 3 and 12 months post-injury. The outcomes will be assessed using knee laxity measurements and subjective function scores.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 16-60 who have sustained an acute isolated PCL injury within the last 21 days.

Not a fit: Patients with additional knee ligament injuries, cartilage damage, or those who are unable to participate in rehabilitation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for patients with acute PCL injuries, enhancing their recovery and knee function.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on PCL rehabilitation, similar studies on knee ligament injuries have shown promising results with structured rehabilitation protocols.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Acute isolated PCL injury : 0- 3 weeks ( maximum 21 days) from the initial injury
* Isolated PCL rupture (grade I, II and III)
* Patient age should be between 16-60 years ( with closed epiphyseal plate )
* Understood and accepted written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Injury to the ACL or other ligaments in the knee
* Extensive injury to the cartilage or meniscus , requiring repairs
* Unfit to understand or to sign consent
* History of alcohol or drug abuse in the past three years
* Current serious illness or injury that makes rehabilitation difficult.

Where this trial is running

Lørenskog and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions PCL
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.