Arthrocentesis with ACL Reconstruction for Acute ACL Tears
Official title: Arthrocentesis Study for Perioperative Intervention on Reducing Arthritis and Trauma-related Effects
Run by Ohio State University · NCT07929922 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether draining the knee before and after ACL reconstruction helps reduce inflammation, prevent muscle loss, and speed recovery in people with a recent ACL tear.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, prednisone |
| Locations | 2 sites (Columbus, Ohio and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07929922 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are ages 15–40 with a recent ACL tear (injury ≤30 days) opting for ACL reconstruction with QT or BPTB grafts.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not experience significant inflammatory response or who have contraindications to knee aspiration may see little to 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 randomized trial investigates whether pre- and post-operative knee joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) can lessen toxic blood-related inflammation after ACL injury and surgery. By removing joint fluid around the time of ACL reconstruction, researchers aim to reduce quadriceps atrophy, improve short-term pain, and support faster return of function. The study targets patients aged 15 to 40 with a recent ACL tear who are planned for ACL reconstruction using QT or BPTB grafts. Primary questions focus on inflammatory response and recovery; secondary aims include muscle size, strength at 3 and 6 months, return-to-sport timelines, and 1-year joint wear. The intervention is simple and low-cost, and the trial evaluates safety and potential broader use of post-injury joint drainage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience less knee inflammation, less muscle wasting, and faster recovery after ACL surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior arthrocentesis practices are common, but applying post-operative drainage as a formal trial to alter recovery is an area with limited prior evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 15 -40 2. Time from injury to aspiration ≤30 days 3. Patient with a confirmed ACL tear and have elected to have an ACL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon (QT) or bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft tendon Exclusion Criteria: 1. Fear of needles or rejection of arthrocentesis 2. Previous knee or ACL surgery on the affected knee 3. Previous cortisone injection in the affected knee within the previous 3 months 4. Concomitant procedures that involve repair or reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterolateral corner (PLC) or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCL) 5. Osteoarthritis Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥3. 6. Cartilage procedures beyond microfracture or chondroplasty 7. Planned osteotomies or meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) 8. Muscular, vascular or neurological diseases that influence rehabilitation or surgery 9. Current use of prednisone or cytostatic medication 10. Obesity with a BMI ≥45 11. Daily smoking 12. History of illicit drug or alcohol abuse 13. History of prior infection in knee 14. History of chemotherapy treatment 15. History of sickle cell disease 16. Pregnancy during injury or surgery 17. No mastery of the English language
Where it's running
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Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute
Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting -
Ohio State Outpatient Care Dublin
Dublin, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Michael Keller
- Email: michael.keller@osumc.edu
- Phone: 614-293-2410
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Augmented Reality in ACL Surgery using AI to identify landmarks
A computer‑vision AI will try to reliably recognize anatomical landmarks during ACL reconstruction using the existing arthroscope without changing the procedure.
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Preoperative cognitive-behavioral program to reduce fear of movement and improve function after an ACL tear
This project tests whether a short pre-surgery cognitive-behavioral program can reduce fear of movement and improve walking, jogging, and balance in adults 18–45 with a recent ACL tear scheduled for reconstruction.
-
ACL Tear: Reconstruction vs Primary Repair outcomes after surgery
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.
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Adductor canal block versus no block for kids having ACL reconstruction
This will test whether a single-shot adductor canal nerve block during anesthesia helps kids and teens (ages 10–18) recover better after ACL reconstruction.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.