Evaluating ACL and ALL Reconstruction in Children
Official title: The Pediatric ALL Evaluation and Trial: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Run by Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NCT04825587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if kids who have surgery for a knee ligament injury do better when they have two ligaments fixed instead of just one.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | Any age to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 28, 2021 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04825587 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 18 and under who are undergoing primary ACL reconstruction within six months of their injury.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients over 18 years old or those with previous knee injuries or surgeries will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to assess whether the reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) alongside the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in children undergoing surgery can reduce the rate of graft failure compared to ACL reconstruction alone. Given the rising incidence of ACL injuries in the pediatric population, this study seeks to address the higher risk of complications and re-injury faced by these young patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either both ACL and ALL reconstruction or ACL reconstruction alone, with the goal of determining the long-term effectiveness of the combined approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly lower the risk of graft failure in children undergoing ACL reconstruction.
How similar studies have gone: While studies in adults have shown promise in reducing re-injury rates with concomitant ALL reconstruction, this specific approach in children is still being explored and is considered novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 and under * Surgery within 6 months of injury * Undergoing primary ACL reconstruction without previous injury or surgery * Quadriceps tendon autograft ACL reconstruction * Closing or closed physes Exclusion Criteria: * Over 18 years old * Previous ipsilateral knee injury or surgery * Neuromuscular or developmental disorders affecting knee anatomy, cognition, or neuromuscular control * Other concomitant ligament reconstruction aside from the ALL (i.e., MCL, PCL, PLC) * Revision ACL reconstruction * ACL reconstruction with graft other than quadriceps tendon * IT band (modified MacIntosh) ACL reconstruction * A cartilage lesion requiring anything more than debridement * Open physes requiring both femoral and tibial physeal-sparing technique
Where it's running
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Lurie Children's Hospital
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Neeraj Patel, MD — Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Amanda Kass
- Email: akass@luriechildrens.org
- Phone: 312-227-1267
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Assessing soleus muscle strength in patients with ACL tears
This study is testing the strength of a muscle in the calf of people with ACL tears to see how it compares to their uninjured leg and to healthy volunteers.
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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.
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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.
-
Intraoperative Energy Use During ACL Surgery
This study tests how much workload a surgeon experiences during ACL reconstruction procedures while wearing a Hexoskin shirt.
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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.
-
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.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.