Does cast immobilization contribute to posterior stability after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

44 patients undergoing arthroscopic single-bundle reconstruction for isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction were randomized to wear either a long leg cast (5 weeks) followed by a brace (until 12 weeks) or a brace for 12 weeks following surgery, in order to compare the outcomes of each rehabilitation technique. Following evaluations over a 2 year period, it was determined that applying cast immobilization for 5 weeks after surgery resulted in significantly better clinical outcomes than for those who only wore a brace.