Comparing two types of grafts for ACL reconstruction

All Soft Tissue Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Versus Patellar Tendon Autograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05461326

This study is testing which type of graft, quadriceps tendon or bone-patellar tendon-bone, helps people recover better after ACL surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT05461326 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of quadriceps tendon autografts versus bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. Patients will be recruited from the Highlands Sports Medicine Clinic and will be randomized into two groups to receive either graft type. The study will assess outcomes related to recovery and performance post-surgery, with a total of 100 participants expected. The trial will ensure blinding of the research personnel and participants to maintain objectivity in the results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are skeletally mature patients under 65 years old who require ACL reconstruction and are suitable for autograft harvest.

Not a fit: Patients who are over 65, have poor tissue quality, or are not compliant with post-operative rehabilitation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the optimal graft choice for ACL reconstruction, potentially improving recovery outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited research comparing these specific graft types, previous studies have shown varying success with different autograft options in ACL reconstruction.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Skeletally mature patients younger 65
* ACL insufficiency
* Scheduled to undergo autograft ACL reconstruction
* Appropriate candidate for autograft harvest

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<14 or 65\>
* Poor autograft candidate (poor tissue quality)
* Multi ligamentous reconstruction (PCL, MCL, or PLC)
* Pregnant or nursing
* High likelihood of remaining non-compliant with physical therapy regimen
* Desire to return to sport prior to 6 months
* Inability to read and write English

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

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 Orthopedic DisorderAnterior Cruciate Ligament Injuriesquadriceps tendonbone tendon boneautograft
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.