Investigating how patellar stabilization surgery affects cartilage health over time

Evaluating Over Constraint of the Patella following MPFL Reconstruction as a Contributing Factor to Progressive Cartilage Degradation

['FUNDING_R01'] · CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU · NIH-11158903

This study is looking at young, active people who have had surgery for a knee issue called lateral patellar dislocation, to see how that surgery affects the health of their knee cartilage over time compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11158903 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on young, active individuals who have experienced lateral patellar dislocation and undergone medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. The study aims to evaluate the long-term effects of this surgical procedure on cartilage health by comparing MRI scans of patients who had the surgery at least five years prior to healthy individuals. Researchers will assess cartilage degradation using advanced MRI techniques over a two-year period to understand how the surgery impacts cartilage properties. The goal is to determine if over-constraining the patella during surgery contributes to ongoing cartilage damage.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young, active individuals who have had a lateral patellar dislocation and subsequently undergone MPFL reconstruction at least five years ago.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a patellar dislocation or those who have not undergone MPFL reconstruction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical techniques that better preserve cartilage health and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis in patients with patellar dislocation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that surgical interventions for patellar stabilization can have varying impacts on cartilage health, but this specific approach to evaluating long-term outcomes is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.