Understanding and Predicting Joint Damage After ACL Injury

Genomic and Imaging Markers to Understand and Predict Progression of Joint Damage After Injury

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11170042

This project looks at biological signals in joint fluid from patients with ACL injuries to understand why some people develop arthritis later on.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11170042 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many people who tear their ACL eventually develop arthritis in that joint, even after surgery. This project aims to understand why this happens by focusing on the immediate changes in the joint right after the injury. We are collecting fluid from the joints of patients aged 18-40 who have had an ACL injury. By examining specific biological markers and genetic information in this fluid, we hope to find ways to predict who is most likely to develop joint damage years later. This could help doctors identify at-risk patients early and potentially develop new ways to prevent arthritis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are physically active individuals between 18 and 40 years old who have recently experienced an ACL rupture.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had an ACL injury or are outside the specified age range would not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to early identification of patients at high risk for post-traumatic osteoarthritis after an ACL injury, allowing for targeted preventative strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While candidate biomarkers have been investigated, their practical use in predicting post-traumatic osteoarthritis after ACL injury is currently very limited, suggesting this approach is novel or significantly advancing current methods.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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 →

Conditions: ACL injury

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.