Improving tendon-to-bone healing after ACL surgery
Official title: Localized small molecule delivery to improve tendon-to-bone integration following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10978736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help your knee heal better after ACL surgery by using special treatments right where the tendon connects to the bone, which could make recovery faster and reduce the chances of problems later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $549,437 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR082810-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have suffered an ACL injury and are scheduled for reconstruction surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already undergone ACL reconstruction or those with other knee injuries unrelated to the ACL may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the healing process of the tendon-to-bone connection following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It aims to utilize localized small molecule delivery to promote the formation of a strong and functional attachment site, which is crucial for recovery. By targeting specific biological pathways involved in tissue regeneration, the study seeks to reduce the risk of graft failure and improve overall outcomes for patients. The approach involves innovative techniques to deliver therapeutic agents directly to the site of injury, potentially leading to faster and more effective healing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and reduced complications for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted biological pathways to enhance tissue healing, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dyment, Nathaniel a. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Dyment, Nathaniel a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Localized delivery to boost tendon-to-bone healing after ACL reconstruction
A study testing a targeted small-molecule treatment to improve how the tendon graft heals at the bone after ACL reconstruction, with the goal of reducing graft failure and helping patients get back to activity.
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Split-belt treadmill training to restore knee loading after ACL surgery
This project uses split-belt treadmill walking to help people who had ACL reconstruction regain more normal loading on their repaired knee during everyday activities.
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Local zinc delivery plus controlled loading to help bone and tendon-to-bone healing after fractures or ACL surgery
Seeing if putting zinc directly at a healing bone site combined with controlled mechanical loading can help bones and tendon-to-bone connections heal faster and stronger for people with fractures or after ACL repair.
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Improving healing after ACL surgery with targeted medicine
This work explores how a special medicine delivered directly to the knee might help tendons heal better to bone after ACL reconstruction surgery.
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Improving knee function after ACL surgery using a special treadmill technique
This study is looking at how walking on a special treadmill, where each leg moves at different speeds, can help people recover better after ACL surgery by improving knee strength and movement, and it’s designed for those who have had this surgery.
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Analgesic effects of adding BiFeS block to adductor canal block after ACL reconstruction
This study tests whether adding a BiFeS block to the standard adductor canal block provides better pain relief after ACL reconstruction.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.