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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 40

ACL Tear: Reconstruction vs Primary Repair outcomes after surgery

Official title: Comparison of Clinical and Functional Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Primary Repair Surgery

Run by Gazi University · NCT07318272 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests how patients who had ACL reconstruction compare with those who had arthroscopic primary ACL repair in terms of strength, endurance, fatigue, knee stability, and function after surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
Enrollment45 (estimated)
SponsorGazi University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara, Çankaya)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 4, 2026
Main results expectedJuly 1, 2027
Study endsNovember 30, 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 25, 2026
Trial IDNCT07318272 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18–40 who had complete ACL rupture and underwent either ACL reconstruction or arthroscopic primary ACL repair at Gazi University, with at least 12 months since surgery and no exclusion conditions.

Probably not a fit

Patients with additional knee injuries, prior surgeries on the knee, or other conditions preventing full participation may have limited or no benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study compares two surgical approaches for ACL injuries: reconstruction and arthroscopic primary repair. Researchers will evaluate postoperative muscle strength and endurance, fatigue response, muscle oxygenation, proprioception, knee stability, and posture control, with follow-up occurring at least 12 months after surgery. The aim is to understand medium- to long-term functional differences between the two techniques and identify factors that might influence outcomes. Participants are adults aged 18–40 who underwent either reconstruction or primary repair at the same institution and meet defined criteria. Interventions are not randomized, and adherence to follow-up assessments is required to ensure valid comparisons.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians tailor surgical choices to improve long-term function after ACL injury.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored outcomes of ACL reconstruction and repair separately, but direct, medium- to long-term comparisons in the same setting are limited/novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria for the ACL Reconstruction Group

* Age 18-40 years
* History of complete ACL rupture treated with ACL reconstruction
* Surgery performed at Gazi University Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology
* At least 12 months postoperative at the time of evaluation
* Ability to comply with all study procedures
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria for the ACL Reconstruction Group

* Previous surgery for partial or chronic ACL tear
* Concomitant multi-ligament knee injuries
* Prior surgery on the ipsilateral or contralateral knee
* Lower extremity malalignment (e.g., significant varus/valgus)
* Tibial avulsion-type ACL injury
* Neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting lower limb function
* Any medical condition that may interfere with test performance or safety

Inclusion Criteria for the Primary ACL Repair Group

* Age 18-40 years
* Complete ACL rupture treated with arthroscopic primary ACL repair
* Surgery performed at Gazi University Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology
* Minimum 12 months postoperative at the time of assessment A-bility to follow and complete study procedures
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria for the Primary ACL Repair Group

* Previous surgery for partial or chronic ACL injury
* Multi-ligament knee injuries
* History of surgery on either knee
* Lower extremity malalignment
* Tibial avulsion-type ACL rupture
* Neuromuscular or musculoskeletal diseases affecting lower limb function or balance
* Any condition that may affect participation or compromise safety

Inclusion Criteria for the Healthy Control Group

* Age 18-40 years
* No significant lower-extremity malalignment (e.g., varus/valgus deformity)
* No history of lower-extremity injury within the past 12 months
* No known chronic systemic disease
* No history of knee surgery or diagnosed knee pathology
* Ability to understand and comply with study procedures
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria for the Healthy Control Group

* Presence of clinically significant lower-extremity malalignment
* Lower-extremity musculoskeletal injury within the last 12 months
* Any chronic systemic or metabolic disease
* History of knee injury, knee surgery, or diagnosed knee pathology
* Neurological, vestibular, or musculoskeletal disorder affecting balance or gait
* Inability to complete study procedures

Where it's running

  • Gazi University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
    Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye)     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear 5Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction 26Gazi University 32
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.