Clinical trial Recruiting at 4 sites Observational Ages 18 and up

Evaluating the outcomes of cartilage repair surgery in the knee

Official title: Investigating the Biomechanical and Functional Outcomes of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: A Multi-centre Study

Run by University of Manchester · NCT06921889 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how well cartilage repair surgery helps people with knee injuries feel and move better after the operation.

More Chondral Defect trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment47 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Manchester
Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Birmingham and 6 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 22, 2024
Main results expectedJuly 13, 2026
Study endsJuly 13, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 7, 2026
Trial IDNCT06921889 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who have been diagnosed with a chondral injury to the knee and are listed for autologous chondrocyte implantation.

Probably not a fit

Patients under 18 years old or those listed for treatments other than ACI 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 observational study investigates the biomechanical and functional outcomes of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for patients with chondral defects in the knee. It aims to assess how this surgical procedure affects knee function and movement post-operation, providing valuable insights into recovery expectations and potential complications. By analyzing patient-reported outcomes alongside objective measures, the study seeks to enhance understanding of ACI's effectiveness and inform future treatment strategies. The research is crucial as untreated cartilage injuries can lead to arthritis, impacting long-term quality of life.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with clearer expectations regarding recovery and functional improvements after cartilage repair surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have reported on patient outcomes following ACI, but this study aims to fill gaps in understanding biomechanical and functional results, making it a valuable addition to existing literature.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of a chondral injury to the knee by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon Participants must have this diagnosis, else they are not eligible for ACI surgery.
* Listed for ACI for a chondral injury by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon Participants must be listed for ACI, as this is the treatment of interest in this research study
* Over 18 years old Participants must be legally capable of providing informed consent for the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Listed for any treatment other than ACI Participants must be listed for ACI, as this is the treatment of interest in this research study
* Under 18 years old. Participants must be legally capable of providing informed consent for the study.

Where it's running

  • Chapel Allerton Orthopaedic Centre
    Leeds, United Kingdom
    Recruiting
  • Trafford General Hospital
    Manchester, United Kingdom
    Recruiting
  • Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
    Stanmore, United Kingdom
    Recruiting
  • New Cross Hospital
    Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
    Recruiting
  • Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
    Birmingham, United Kingdom
    Not yet recruiting
  • Addenbrooke's Hospital
    Cambridge, United Kingdom
    Not yet recruiting
Show 1 more location
  • Southampton General Hospital
    Southampton, United Kingdom
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.