Comparison of Methods in Post Operative Knee Arthroscopy Rehabilitation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, DENVER · Feb 15, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help patients recover after knee surgery, specifically focusing on blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy. BFR therapy is a method that involves using special bands to restrict blood flow to the muscles during rehabilitation exercises. The goal is to see if this technique can help strengthen muscles and prevent weakness or wasting away after procedures like ACL reconstruction.

To participate in the study, you need to be someone who has had knee surgery involving ACL reconstruction and have access to a smartphone, as the study uses a free app to guide the therapy. However, certain conditions may prevent you from joining, such as having recent blood clots, certain heart conditions, or if you are pregnant. If you decide to take part, you can expect to follow a rehabilitation program that includes exercises monitored through the app. Remember, if any medical issues arise during the study, you may be asked to leave for your safety.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients undergoing primary knee arthroscopy for ACL reconstruction without meniscus repair
• • Completing initial 12 weeks of physical therapy at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Denver
• • Patients with access to smartphone device
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Bilateral knee surgeries to be performed within 12 weeks of each other
• • Patients received meniscus repairs, chondral lesion repair/transplants,
• • Prior surgery on the same knee
• * Anyone who meets the following contraindications for BFR therapy:
• • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• • Pulmonary Embolism
• • Hemorrhagic/Thrombolytic Stroke
• • Clotting Disorders
• • Hemophilia or taking blood thinners
• • Pregnant or up to 6 months post-partum
• • Untreated Hypertension
• • Untreated Hypotension
• • Rhabdomyolysis or recent traumatic injury
• • 2. Exclusion criteria will be evaluated via the medical record as well as by the expert opinion of the physician.
• • 3. If at any point in the study a subject develops one of the above contraindications, they will be removed from the study.
• • 4. If a subject becomes pregnant while participating in the intervention portion of the study, they will be removed.