ENCORE study exclusion criteria

People cannot take part in ENCORE if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Have a concomitant injury confirmed by MRI scan that requires an immediate / early orthopaedic opinion or a specific rehabilitation protocol that conflicts with either intervention arm.
  • Tibial plateau fracture
  • Tibial insertion ACL bone avulsion fracture
  • Displaced and/or unstable meniscal tear (bucket handle tear, root tear, large radial tear of the posterior horn)
  • Osteochondral loose body
  • Unstable osteochondral defect
  • Severe posterolateral corner injury (displaced tissue, Grade II/III injury)
  • Multi-ligament knee injury (ACL rupture + grade III LCL or PCL)
  • Severe MCL injury with Stener lesion (ligament lies outside the pes anserinus)
  • Acute patellofemoral dislocation
• Have an ACL injury with low potential for benefit from CBP
  • Complete avulsion of the femoral or tibial footprint (noting this does not include injuries very close to the footprint when there is still some soft tissue at the attachment)
  • Signs of ACL involution
• Previous significant ACL injury or ACL surgery on the side being assessed
• Have a health condition that makes it inappropriate to immobilise the knee at 90 degrees flexion
  • Current deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Past DVT or pulmonary embolism unless receives clearance to participate from a haematologist
  • Diagnosed hypercoagulable disease (such as Protein C and Protein C deficiency, Factor 5 Leiden)
  • Diagnosed inflammatory arthritis affecting the injured knee unless receive clearance to participate from rheumatologist
  • Significant preceding knee extension limitation
• Have a health condition that makes it inappropriate to wear a brace
  • Acute infection of the affected knee or lower limb
  • Pre-injury inability to extend the knee