Comparing immediate and delayed surgery for ACL injuries

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of immediate versus optional delayed surgical repair for patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. It challenges the prevailing belief that immediate surgery is necessary for a safe return to sports and prevention of knee osteoarthritis. Participants will undergo either immediate ACL reconstruction or a conservative rehabilitation approach with delayed surgery if needed. The study aims to provide scientific evidence on the outcomes of both treatment strategies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Rotational trauma to a knee that had no previous serious injury and for which medical advice was sought within 4 weeks after the injury.
* Medical diagnosis of ACL insufficiency including MRI (both partial and complete ruptures)
* Minimum of 16 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant has a history of a previous ACL injury or knee surgery to the index knee
* Indication for acute surgery because of related injuries to the knee
* Female who is pregnant or plans to become pregnant in the first 4 months of the trial. Since MRI assessment cannot be performed.

Where it's running

• UZ Leuven
  Leuven, Belgium Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Annemie Smeets, phd
• Email: annemie.smeets@kuleuven.be
• Phone: +32 16 37 91 02

Similar studies

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

• Motor imagery–enhanced rehab after ACL reconstruction

  This study tests whether mentally practicing movement can improve knee function and brain activity after ACL reconstruction, in comparison with standard rehab.

  Recruiting Peking University Third Hospital · Beijing, Beijing Municipality · NCT07833189

• Functional Movement Training vs Functional Stability Training after ACL Surgery

  This randomized trial tests whether a functional movement program or a stability-focused program helps 18-35 year old athletes recover after ACL surgery.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Lahore, Punjab Province · NCT07725016

• Intraoperative Energy Use During ACL Surgery

  This study tests how much workload a surgeon experiences during ACL reconstruction procedures while wearing a Hexoskin shirt.

  Recruiting ASL Lecce · Lecce · NCT07683247

• Differences in Outcomes After Allograft vs Autograft in Revision ACL Repair

  This study looks at whether using donor tissue (allograft) versus the patient’s own tissue (autograft) in revision ACL surgery leads to different results.

  Recruiting Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · Bologna, Bologna · NCT07671235

• Functional brain signal changes after ACL reconstruction with targeted neuromotor training

  This project will test whether targeted neuromotor training after ACL reconstruction changes brain activity patterns in active adults aged 18–30.

  Recruiting Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · Bologna, Bologna · NCT07097077

• Assessing ACL injury risk in healthy athletes

  This study is trying to see how muscle strength and movement patterns in healthy athletes can help predict the risk of ACL injuries over a year.

  Recruiting Sanford Health · Fargo, North Dakota · NCT06635668

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.