Understanding knee joint changes after ACL surgery and meniscus removal
Official title: Biomechanical Markers of PTOA after ACL Reconstruction and Meniscal Resection
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10347360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how surgeries for ACL tears and meniscus removal change how your knee works, with the goal of understanding what might lead to arthritis later on, so we can find better ways to help you heal and stay active.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | February 8, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $259,265 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR077371-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10347360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently undergone ACL reconstruction surgery, particularly those who also had meniscal injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had ACL surgery or those with pre-existing osteoarthritis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how surgical procedures for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscal removal affect the biomechanics of the knee joint. It aims to identify the specific changes in knee mechanics that may lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in patients. By analyzing the way cartilage and bones interact after surgery, the study seeks to uncover the underlying causes of PTOA, which could lead to better treatment options. Patients may undergo imaging and biomechanical assessments to gather data on their knee function over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction and meniscal resection.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into ACL injuries and osteoarthritis, this specific investigation into the biomechanical markers of PTOA post-surgery is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fiorentino, Niccolo M — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Fiorentino, Niccolo M
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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Options for a second (revision) ACL surgery
This work looks at how different surgical approaches and patient factors relate to long-term outcomes for people having a second 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.
-
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.
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.