Full Weightbearing Versus Partial Controlled Weightbearing During the First Six Weeks of Rehabilitation After Reconstruction of the Fibular Collateral Ligament: a Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to find out if patients who have surgery to rebuild the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) alone or together with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can safely start full controlled weightbearing during the first six weeks after surgery. The study compares two different rehabilitation approaches to see if full weightbearing affects knee stability or recovery compared to partial weightbearing. It is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate recovery outcomes after these knee ligament surgeries. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for the first six weeks after surgery: partial weightbearing, defined as bearing 40% of their body weight, or full controlled weightbearing with guidance on acceptable exercises and activities. They will wear an immobilizer brace in full extension from day 0 to 13 post-surgery, followed by a specialized knee brace from day 14 to 42 to protect against side-to-side knee movement while weightbearing. During the study, participants will undergo various assessments including X-rays to measure knee joint gapping at six months, pain ratings, swelling, range of motion, walking analysis, muscle strength, and patient-reported outcomes at several time points up to one year. These evaluations will help compare the effects of the two weightbearing approaches on knee healing and function. The total study participation spans from immediately after surgery through follow-up visits over a year to ensure safety and effectiveness of the rehabilitation protocols.

Full Vs Partial Weightbearing During the First Six Weeks of Rehab. After Fibular Collateral Ligament Reconstruction