Comparing two surgical techniques for ACL reconstruction

A Single-center, Patient-blinded, Randomized, 2-year, Parallel-group, Superiority Study to Compare the Efficacy of Augmented ACL Integration Via Platelet-rich-plasma Enriched Collected Autologous Bone Versus Standard ACL Technique

Not applicable Interventional Schulthess Klinik · NCT05953051

This study is testing if using a special material made of bone and platelet-rich plasma during ACL surgery can help people recover better and have fewer problems with their knees compared to standard surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment107 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorSchulthess Klinik Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich)
Trial IDNCT05953051 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study aims to compare the outcomes of two surgical techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction after a primary ACL tear. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving a bone and platelet-rich plasma (PrP) composite material or a control group undergoing standard ACL reconstruction. The study will assess tibial tunnel widening and graft incorporation using CT and MRI scans, along with functional knee testing and patient-reported outcomes over a 24-month follow-up period. The goal is to determine if the composite material can reduce tunnel widening and improve graft integration.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-50 with a primary ACL rupture occurring within 4 weeks to 6 months prior to surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with concomitant ligamentous injuries, significant osteoarthritis, or those requiring invasive cartilage treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved outcomes and reduced complications for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific combination of techniques is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-50 years
* Primary ACL rupture
* Time from injury to surgery: 4 weeks to 6 months
* Single ACL rupture (isolated rupture)
* ACL surgery with one of the participating senior surgeons
* Informed Consent as documented by signature

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concomitant ligamentous instability/rupture
* Requirement for Meniscus suture (partial resection accepted, hoop and roots remain intact)
* Requirement for cartilage invasive treatment (debridement accepted)
* Osteoarthritis at index knee joint
* Leg axis deviation over 3° valgus or 4° varus
* Claustrophobia (contra-indication for the MRI)
* Women who are pregnant or breast feeding or intention to become pregnant during the study
* Known or suspected non-compliance, drug or alcohol abuse
* Inability of the patient to follow the study procedures, e.g. language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc.

Where this trial is running

Zurich

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 TearAnterior Cruciate Ligament ReconstructionPlatelet-Rich PlasmaBone Tunnel Widening
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.