Investigating Alendronate's Effect on Knee Function After ACL Reconstruction
Official title: The Effect of Oral Administration of Alendronate on Knee Functions Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction - A Multi-Centre, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial
Run by Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05527548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if the osteoporosis medication Alendronate can help people aged 18-40 recover better and improve knee function after their first ACL surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 14 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shatin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 22, 2022 |
| Main results expected | July 22, 2028 |
| Study ends | July 22, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05527548 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are males and females aged 18-40 who are undergoing their first ACL reconstruction.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic diseases affecting bone metabolism or those with contraindications to Alendronate therapy may 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 clinical trial evaluates the impact of Alendronate, a medication commonly used to treat osteoporosis, on knee function following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The study involves male and female participants aged 18-40 who are undergoing their first ACLR and aims to determine if Alendronate can improve recovery outcomes and reduce the risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Participants will be monitored for knee function improvements post-surgery, with a focus on the effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing healing and stability of the knee joint.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery and knee function for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of Alendronate in this context is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in improving bone health and recovery in other orthopedic settings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female with age 14 or above at the time of surgery * First ACLR * Single leg involvement * Able to attend pre-operative assessment * Voluntarily agreed to participate and signed the informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Known chronic disease or receiving long-term medications affecting bone metabolism including BPs * Contraindication to alendronate therapy such as poor dental fitness * ACL injury less than 6 weeks * Injury on duty cases * Patients who have undergone arthroscopy or open surgery in the index knee in the last 12 months * Other associated injuries (fractures and other ligament involvement such as neurovascular bundles injury) * Chondral lesion with concomitant intervention * Presence of X-ray features of osteoarthritis including decrease in joint space, presence of osteophytes and subchondral cysts * Neurological deficit * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Inability to give informed consent
Where it's running
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Prince of Wales Hospital
Shatin, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Patrick Shu-hang YUNG
- Email: patrickyung@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 3505 2728
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Plyometric training added to standard rehab after ACL reconstruction
This study tests whether adding plyometrics to the usual rehab after ACL reconstruction helps improve leg strength and function in adults aged 18–40.
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Isokinetic vs Plyometric Training After ACL Reconstruction
This trial tests whether isokinetic or plyometric training, added after standard rehab, best improves strength, function, and patient-reported outcomes in adults 18–40 after ACL reconstruction.
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ACL reconstruction using the Over-The-Top technique with either metal staples or soft anchors
This study tests whether using a suture-based fixation (soft anchors) during OTT ACL reconstruction works as well as metal staples for graft stability in adults aged 18–50.
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Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with peroneus longus graft with or without a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection
This test sees if a single 4 ml intra-articular PRP injection given during ACL reconstruction with a peroneus longus graft helps adults (18–50) with isolated ACL tears recover better over 12 months.
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Movement-related fear after ACL reconstruction: general kinesiophobia versus task-specific sport fear
This trial will test whether visual and imagined movement exposures reveal task-specific fear versus general kinesiophobia in people aged 18–35 recovering from ACL reconstruction.
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ACL reconstruction with lateral extra‑articular tenodesis (LET): clinical and biomechanical outcomes
This project will see if adding lateral extra‑articular tenodesis (LET) to ACL reconstruction changes knee stability and recovery in adults 18–50 who receive gracilis and semitendinosus grafts.
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.