Comparing two types of grafts for knee ligament surgery

SEQUAR - SEmitendinosus vs QUadriceps in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction - a Prospective Randomized Study

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT04295148

This study is testing which type of graft works better for knee ligament surgery in athletes who have injured their ACL.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm, Stockholm County)
Trial IDNCT04295148 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of two different grafts used in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction: the semitendinosus hamstrings graft and the quadriceps tendon graft. Conducted at Capio Artro Clinic in Stockholm, the study involves a randomized control design with 200 athletes who have sustained ACL injuries. Participants will be monitored over a two-year period to assess outcomes such as knee laxity, return to sports, and graft maturity through MRI scans. The study aims to provide insights into which graft may offer better long-term results for athletes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are athletes with a verified ACL rupture who have a pre-injury Tegner Activity Scale of 7 or higher and intend to return to their previous level of sports activity.

Not a fit: Patients with previous knee injuries, significant ligament laxity, or other complicating medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and recovery for athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with different graft types in ACL reconstruction, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pre-injury Tegner Activity Scale≥7
* Intended return to sports to prior sport and Tegner Activity Scale Level
* Time between injury and inclusion not more than 6 months
* MR verified ACL rupture

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous knee injury with symptoms before ACL injury
* Neurological disease, inflammatory disease, connective tissue disease or balance disorder
* Previous lower limb fracture or surgery
* Laxity in the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) \> grade 1
* PCL rupture or Multiligament knee injury (MLKI)
* Radiographic sign of osteoarthritis (OA)
* Previous knee surgery or ligament injury in contralateral knee
* Beighton score ≥ 5

Where this trial is running

Stockholm, Stockholm County

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 InjuriesAnterior Cruciate Ligament RuptureAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
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.