Bone-patellar tendon–bone graft versus patellar tendon graft for ACL reconstruction
Comparison of Morbidity and Functional Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Bone-Tendon-Bone Graft Versus Patellar Tendon Graft Without Patellar Bone Plug in Competitive Athletes
NA · Universidad de Granada · NCT07475351
This randomized comparison tests whether a patellar tendon graft without the patellar bone plug reduces donor-site problems and gives similar knee function to the standard bone–patellar tendon–bone graft in athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad de Granada (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Granada, Granada) |
| Trial ID | NCT07475351 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-center randomized surgical comparison enrolling active athletes with recent ACL tears to receive either a standard bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) graft or a patellar tendon graft without the patellar bone plug (BPT) for ACL reconstruction. Participants undergo surgery and a structured follow-up program with assessments at 3, 8, 12, and 24 months to capture complications, donor-site morbidity, clinical measures, and functional outcomes. Key inclusion criteria include age 12–40, injury-to-surgery time under six months, and patellar tendon length >42 mm on MRI; major meniscal or high-grade chondral injuries and prior ligament surgery are excluded. The trial compares incidence of anterior knee pain, kneeling discomfort, sensory changes, reinjury, and objective knee stability between the two graft techniques.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Active athletes aged 12–40 with an ACL tear within six months, patellar tendon length over 42 mm on MRI, and no prior ligament surgery or major meniscal/chondral damage are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with prior knee ligament surgery, concomitant multiligament injuries, major meniscal tears (>50%), or significant cartilage damage (Outerbridge > II) are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the patellar-sparing graft could reduce anterior knee pain and kneeling problems while preserving equivalent knee stability and function.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller prior studies have reported lower rates of anterior knee pain with patellar-sparing techniques compared with BPTB, but randomized high-quality evidence is still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Time for injury to surgery of less than six months. * Active athletes (federated or recreational) * Patellar tendon length \> 42mm measured by MRI. * Age between 12 and 40 years old * Genders eligible for Study: both Exclusion Criteria: * Previous surgery or history of ligamentous knee injuries. * Concomitant knee ligament injury * Major meniscal injury (more than 50% of the lateral or medial meniscus) * Chondral injury greater than Outerbridge Grade I-II
Where this trial is running
Granada, Granada
- Health Sciences Faculty, University of Granada — Granada, Granada, Spain (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jose M Rodriguez-Delgado
- Email: josemariard@ugr.es
- Phone: +34664807986
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury, ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION, BONE PATELLAR TENDON BONE, PATELLAR TENDON