Rebound® research & clinical studies
Clinical research & evidence
We've compiled every study related to our Rebound with Functional Healing products to showcase the efficacy and improved patient outcomes our products offer.
Rebound PCL Research
Multiligament Knee Injuries in Older Adolescents: A 2-Year Minimum Follow-up Study
Godin, J.A., Cinque, M.E., Pogorzelski, J., Moatshe, G., Chahla, J., LaPrade, R.F.
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine (OJSM), Sept 2017
Abstract: Patient outcomes and failure rates following unstaged multiligament reconstruction in adolescents with minimum 2-year follow-up were assessed. As part of the protocol, the dynamic force Rebound PCL supported excellent patient satisfaction and good clinical and functional outcomes following complex knee reconstruction including the PCL.
Paraskiing crash and knee dislocation with multiligament reconstruction and iliotibial band repair
Dean, C.S., Fernandes, O., Cinque, M.E., Chahla, J., LaPrade, R.F.
American Journal of Orthopedics (AJO), 2017
Abstract: Post-surgery, a 6-week non-weight-bearing, limited flexion rehab protocol utilizing a dynamic PCL brace, such as the PCL Rebound brace, is recommended to prevent posterior tibial sag.
Surgical reconstruction is a cost efficient treatment option for isolated PCL injuries
Owesen, C., Aas. E., Aroen, A.
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (2017)
Abstract: Non-surgical and surgical treatment models of isolated PCL injuries which included the Rebound PCL brace were found to be cost-effective.
Diagnosis and treatment of multiligament knee injury: state of the art
Moatshe, G., Chahla, J., LaPrade, R.F., Engebretsen, L.
Joint Disorders & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (2017)
Abstract: Rebound PCL was recommended to be used 9-12 months to protect ligament reconstruction and as state of the art in the rehabilitation of multi-ligament injuries of the knee. As full range of motion is especially vital to long-term outcomes, the dynamic Rebound PCL supports obtaining 0–90° of knee flexion within the first 2 weeks after surgery.
The effect of a dynamic PCL brace on patellofemoral compartment pressures in PCL-and PCL/PLC-deficient knees
Welch, T., Keller, T., Ruben, M., Maldonado, R., Metzger, M., Mohr, K., Kvitne, R.
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics, Dec 2017
Abstract: Application of the dynamic Rebound PCL brace led to a significant reduction in force, total pressure, and peak pressures in the patella-femoral joint in PCL and PCL/PLC deficient knees, most significantly at higher degrees of flexion. Results suggest that dynamic bracing may be a better option than static braces for management of chronic PCL injuries or to protect healing ligaments following surgical reconstruction of the PCL
Recommended use of Rebound PCL in the rehabilitation of isolated and combined PCL injuries
Abstract: After the 2017 Össur medical congress in Reykjavik, Iceland, global experts met to develop a consensus statement on both surgical and conservative treatment of the PCL. Rebound PCL was recommended by global experts for rehabilitation of isolated and combined PCL injuries.
Quantification of functional brace forces for posterior cruciate ligament injuries on the knee joint: an in vivo investigation
LaPrade, R.F., Smith, S.D., Wilson, K. J., Wijdicks, C.A | Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (2014)
Abstract: Rebound PCL applied significantly larger, dynamic forces compared to the static force brace at higher flexion angles which are correlated to larger in situ forces on the posterior-cruciate ligament. Clinical studies are necessary to determine whether the loading characteristics of the Rebound PCL brace, which more closely replicated the in situ loading profile of the native PCL, results in long-term improved posterior knee laxity following PCL injury.
A historical perspective of PCL bracing
Jansson, K.S., Costello, K.E., O’Brien, L., Wijdicks, C.A., LaPrade, R.F. | Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (2012)
Abstract: A properly designed PCL brace should apply a force that varies with knee flexion angle to mimic the anatomic forces applied by the PCL in the healthy, intact knee.
Posterior cruciate ligament tears: functional and postoperative rehabilitation.
Peirce, C.M., O’Brien, L., Griffin, L.W., LaPrade, R.F. | Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (2013)
Abstract: An optimal set of guidelines for the nonoperative or postoperative management of PCL injuries has not yet been defined or agreed upon. Based on the current review study, suggested guidelines are proposed.
Acute isolated injury of the posterior cruciate ligament treated by dynamic anterior drawer brace: a preliminary report.
Jacobi M., Reischl N., Wahl P., Gautier E., Jakob R.P.
The Bone & Joint Journal, Sept 2010
Abstract: Although the Jack PCL brace reportedly contributed to satisfactory clinical outcomes, posterior sag of the tibia was not restored to intact levels following non-operative treatment.
Rebound Cartilage Research
Weight-bearing and knee orthoses protocols following cell-based surgeries and structural transplants for tibiofemoral cartilage defects: an expert recommendation
Gavrailoff et al
American Journal of Orthopedics (2018) - approved with minor revisions, not yet published
Abstract: Using a mixed-methods approach, North American Orthopaedic Surgeons developed expert recommendations and two post-operative protocols. Cartilage Unloader braces were recommended during an individual’s transition from partial to full weight-bearing after both cell-based procedures and structural transplant.
Clinical outcomes after 5 Years on the femoral Condyle: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study Presenting MRI-Based and Effect of Accelerated Weightbearing After Matrix-Associated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Wondrasch, B., Risberg, M.A., Zak, L., Marlovits, S., Aldrian S.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2015)
Abstract: Accelerated post-operative weight-bearing protocols could positively influence cartilage graft success, with similar short-term and mid-term outcomes compared to conservative protocols, without jeopardizing the healing graft.
Current concepts of articular cartilage restoration techniques in the knee
Camp, C. L., Stuart, M. J., Krych, A. J.
Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary approach (2013)
Abstract: Addressing tibiofemoral alignment for knee articular cartilage injuries, surgically or non-surgically, is critical to successful outcomes.
Is valgus unloader bracing effective in normally aligned individuals: implications for post-surgical protocol following cartilage restoration procedures.
Orishimo, K.F., Kremenic, I.J., Lee, S.J., McHugh, M.P. & Nicholas, S.J.
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (2013)
Abstract: Individuals with cartilage injury and no malalignment experienced positive outcomes post-operatively when subjected to a controlled weight-bearing protocol with a functional unloading brace.
A randomized trial comparing accelerated and traditional approaches to postoperative weightbearing rehabilitation after matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation: Findings at 5 years
Ebert, J.R., Fallon, M., Zheng, M.H., Wood, D.J. Ackland, T.R.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2012)
Abstract: 2 years after an accelerated post-operative weight-bearing protocol, participants had significantly less severe pain and a superior 6-minute walk distance compared to a conservative protocol group.
Continuous Passive Motion, Early Weight Bearing, and Active Motion following Knee Articular Cartilage Repair: Evidence for Clinical Practice.
Howard, J.S., Mattacola, C.G., Romine, S.E. & Lattermann, C.
Cartilage (2012)
Abstract: In multiple animal studies early weight-bearing led to greater cartilage formation. If it can be done safely, early full or partial weight bearing and ambulating with limited crutch dependence may greatly improve patient quality of life by allowing patients to re-establishing gait patterns and return to work and other activities sooner.
The effect of rehabilitation including the use of functional braces on knee function after arthroscopic treatment- Examination of patients with cartilage lesions of the knee.
Goto, M., Suzuki, K., & Shimada, T. | Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2008)
Abstract: Bracing allows protected mechanical stress on the joint, increases awareness of vulnerability of the knee, and could provide a conducive physiological environment to cartilage healing.
How accurate is partial weightbearing?
Dabke, H.V., Gupta, S.K., Holt, C.A., O’Callaghan, P., Dent, C.M.
Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research (2004)
Abstract: Neither healthy nor patient participants could accurately replicate prescribed partial weight-bearing, and 91% of patients overloaded their knee.
Rehab protocol after microfracture for lesions of the medial or lateral femoral condyle <2cm
Panel of American Orthopaedic Surgeons
Abstract: The Rebound Cartilage brace is suggested by experts to be used in rehabilitation after microfracture, during partial weight-bearing through to full weight-bearing, exercise and training. Articular cartilage needs up to 24 months to regenerate post repair procedures.
Comparison of compartmental force in the knee on a braced and unbraced surrogate leg model
Abstract: Biomechanical data showed a 50% reduction in medial compartmental force (N) using the Rebound Cartilage brace during simulated walking conditions. Medial compartmental force was reduced through 0°-45° of knee flexion compared to no brace.
Treatment Protocols
We’ve gathered global experts to develop consensus treatment protocols for various surgical interventions. View the consensus documents below.
Cartilage Protocols
Contained Cartilage Lesion
Uncontained Cartilage Lesion
Meniscal Repair
Case Studies
Key opinion leaders around the world are incorporating Rebound Functional Healing products into their treatment protocols to improve patient outcomes. Read their full case studies below.
Rebound PCL Case Studies
39 year old male with grade II-III PCL tear, non-surgical treatment
45 year old female, isolated PCL tear
24-year-old-male with right knee isolated high grade PCL injury treated non-surgically with Rebound PCL and physical therapy
27 year old male, laborer, with ACL / PCL and MCL deficient left knee
24 year old male, severe varus noncontact injury
Rebound ACL Case Studies
Acute femoral ACL rupture & osseous avulsion fractures of the medial and lateral posterior meniscus root
Dr. Thomas Stein
Executive Senior Physician in the Department for Sport Traumatology at Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfalklinik Frankfurt am Main.
Acute anteromedial knee instability with complete tear of the ACL and complete tibial injury of the MCL and POL
Dr. Thomas Stein
Executive Senior Physician in the Department for Sport Traumatology at Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfalklinik Frankfurt am Main.
Rebound Cartilage Case Studies
Two patients with cartilage lesions treated with temporary unloading
Dr. Mats Brittberg
Professor, Region Halland Orthopedics at Kungsbaca Hospital, Sweden.
Female patient with chronic pain in left knee
Dr. Peter Verdonk
Antwerp Orthopaedic Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Antwerp University Hospital.
47-year-old male, symptomatic articular cartilage injury
Dr. Matthew Provencher
Complex Shoulder, Knee and Sports Surgeon at The Steadman Clinic