Comparing graft types for ACL reconstruction with or without lateral tenodesis

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone Patellar Bone or Quad Tendon Autograft With or Without Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis in Individuals Who Are at High Risk of Graft Failure (STABILITY 2)

Not applicable Interventional University of Pittsburgh · NCT03935750

This study is testing which type of graft works best for ACL reconstruction in young, active people aged 14-25 to help them recover and get back to sports safely.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1236 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Locations31 sites (Redwood City, California and 30 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03935750 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different graft types (bone-patellar-tendon-bone, quadriceps tendon, and hamstring tendon) in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with or without lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). The study focuses on young, active individuals aged 14-25 who have suffered an ACL injury, assessing outcomes such as graft failure rates, return to sports, donor site morbidity, and the risk of developing osteoarthritis. By comparing these graft options, the trial seeks to identify the best approach to improve long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of re-injury.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 14-25 with an ACL-deficient knee who are active in competitive pivoting sports.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone ACL reconstruction or have multiple ligament injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical techniques and graft choices that enhance recovery and reduce re-injury rates for young athletes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on ACL reconstruction techniques, this trial is significant as it specifically compares the effectiveness of different graft types in a young, active population, making it a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 14-25,
* An ACL-deficient knee,
* Skeletal maturity (i.e. closed epiphyseal growth plates on standard knee radiographs),
* At least two of the following: participate in a competitive pivoting sport; have a pivot shift of grade 2 or greater; have generalized ligamentous laxity (Beighton score of ≥4) and/or genu recurvatum \>10 degrees.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous ACLR on either knee,
* Partial ACL injury (defined as one bundle ACL tear requiring reconstruction/augmentation of the torn bundle with no surgery required for the intact bundle),
* Multiple ligament injury (two or more ligaments requiring surgery),
* Symptomatic articular cartilage defect requiring treatment other than debridement,
* \>3 degrees of asymmetric varus,
* Inflammatory arthropathy,
* Inability to provide consent,
* Pregnancy at baseline.

Where this trial is running

Redwood City, California and 30 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. 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 InjuryAnterior Cruciate Ligament ReconstructionJoint InstabilityLateral extra-articular tenodesisAutograftingAllograftingBone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Grafting
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.