Investigating Alendronate's Effect on Knee Function After ACL Reconstruction

The Effect of Oral Administration of Alendronate on Knee Functions Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction - A Pilot Study of Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

PHASE4 · Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05527548

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

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Sha Tin)
Trial IDNCT05527548 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 18-40 who are undergoing their first ACL reconstruction.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases affecting bone metabolism or those with contraindications to Alendronate therapy may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female with age 18-40 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 this trial is running

Sha Tin

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: ACL Reconstruction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.