Clinical Outcome of Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Posterolateral Reconstruction

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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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.

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

Conditions
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Knee Injuries

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: PCL, posterolateral reconstruction


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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
Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| PCL, posterolateral reconstruction<br>All patients who are entered into study who receive a PCL and/or posterolateral knee ligament reconstruction | Procedure: PCL, posterolateral reconstruction<br>* 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.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Elimination of knee giving-way |  | Minimum 2 years postoperatively | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Posterior tibial translation |  | Minimum 2 years postoperative | 
| Lateral tibiofemoral joint opening |  | Minimum 2 years postoperatively | 
| External tibial rotation |  | Minimum 2 years postoperatively | 
| Elimination of knee pain |  | Minimum 2 years postoperatively | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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PCL, Posterolateral