Options for a second (revision) ACL surgery
Official title: Revision ACL Reconstruction: A Comparative Effectiveness Treatment Study
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11169935 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at how different surgical approaches and patient factors relate to long-term outcomes for people having a second ACL reconstruction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2011 |
| Project end | August 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $725,544 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR060846-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-11169935 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have had a prior ACL reconstruction and now need or have undergone a revision (second) ACL reconstruction are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with a first-time (primary) ACL tear, unrelated knee conditions, or who are not having surgery would not be the focus and likely would not benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
You would join a large group of people who had a revision (repeat) ACL reconstruction and be followed over many years. Doctors across dozens of centers collected patient-reported outcomes, clinical exams, and X-rays to track knee health and the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. A nested onsite group had detailed radiographic and clinical follow-up, and the project now adds genomic analyses to try to predict who is at higher risk for osteoarthritis. The study pools real-world surgical choices from many surgeons to help link technique and patient factors with long-term results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help surgeons pick treatments and identify patients at higher risk of osteoarthritis so care can be tailored to improve long-term knee health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous MARS cohort follow-ups at 2, 6, and 10 years produced important outcome and osteoarthritis findings, while using genomics to predict OA risk is a newer addition.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Rick W — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wright, Rick W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Graft Remodeling and Joint Degeneration after ACL Reconstruction in the Growing Knee Joint
This grant focuses on how ACL reconstruction in growing kids and teens affects knee grafts and long-term joint health.
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Using clinic videos to spot risk of a second ACL injury after reconstruction
This project uses easy-to-take clinic videos and wearable sensors to find movement patterns that may predict a second ACL injury in people who've had ACL reconstruction.
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Improving quadriceps muscle function after ACL surgery using brain stimulation
This study is looking at how a gentle brain stimulation technique can help improve the strength and function of your thigh muscles as you recover from ACL surgery, making your rehabilitation process easier and more effective.
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How walking and physical activity affect knee health after ACL surgery
This study is looking at how walking and activity levels affect knee health in young adults who have had ACL surgery, aiming to find ways to prevent long-term pain and joint issues during their first year of recovery.
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Predicting second injuries after ACL surgery using video technology
This study is looking at how to help people who have had ACL surgery avoid getting hurt again by tracking their movements and activities for 18 months, so we can learn more about what might lead to a second injury.
-
Improving walking patterns after ACL surgery
This study is testing a new walking program to help people recover better after ACL surgery by teaching them a special way to walk that could make their knees feel better and prevent future problems.
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.