Investigating the best treatments for ACL injuries
Official title: Improving the Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears in Norway With Register-RCTs - Who Should Have Surgery
Run by University Hospital, Akershus · NCT04770233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether early surgery followed by rehab or just rehab with possible later surgery works better for people with ACL injuries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 328 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Akershus Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lørenskog, Akershus and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 29, 2021 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2045 |
| Registry record updated | January 28, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04770233 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 16-50 who have sustained an acute ACL injury and can undergo both surgery and rehabilitation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are elite athletes in pivoting sports or those with additional knee injuries requiring repair 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 project is a pragmatic registry-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at determining the most effective treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving early ACL surgery followed by rehabilitation, and the other undergoing active rehabilitation with the option for delayed surgery if necessary. The study leverages the Norwegian National Knee Ligament Registry (NNKLR) for data collection, which includes a comprehensive database of ACL injuries and treatments. By utilizing this established registry, the study aims to provide valuable insights into treatment effectiveness for over 4,000 patients annually in Norway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more informed treatment decisions for ACL injuries, potentially improving recovery outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in comparing surgical and non-surgical treatments for ACL injuries, suggesting that this approach is both relevant and necessary.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who have sustained an acute ACL injury (must be possible to perform the "early surgery" treatment option within 12 weeks) * Age 16-50 years and skeletally mature * No previous surgery in the index knee or knee injury which influences rehabilitation * Patient capable to undergo both surgery and rehabilitation Exclusion Criteria: • Elite athletes (Tegner 10) in pivoting sports and patients with additional knee injuries warranting repair
Where it's running
-
Orthopedic Department, Akershus University Hospital
Lørenskog, Akershus, Norway Recruiting -
Orthopedic division, Oslo University Hospital
Oslo, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rune Jakobsen, PhD/MD
- Email: r.b.jakobsen@medisin.uio.no
- Phone: 92092973
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Perturbation Training vs Functional Activities after ACL Reconstruction
This study tests whether perturbation training or task-oriented functional activities help people 18–45 with ACL reconstruction recover better than standard rehab.
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Tracking recovery after arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgeries
This will follow people having routine arthroscopic shoulder or knee surgery to see if patient characteristics, tear details, or surgical choices predict better recovery and function over two years.
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Magic Angle Direction Imaging for ACL tears and meniscus injuries
This study tries a new low-field MRI technique called Magic Angle Direction Imaging to see if it shows ACL tears and meniscus injuries more clearly in adults scheduled for ligament repair.
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Proprioceptive exercises to aid recovery after ACL surgery
This trial will see if adding proprioceptive exercises to standard balance training helps people aged 20–40 during the early rehab period after ACL surgery.
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Visual-guided balance training to improve knee function after ACL reconstruction
This program tests whether adding visual-guided balance training to standard rehabilitation helps adults 18–45 recover knee function and walking after ACL reconstruction.
-
Predicting knee cartilage wear and pain after early osteoarthritis or a recent ACL injury
This project will try to create computer models that predict cartilage damage and pain over time for people with early knee osteoarthritis or an ACL injury within the past year.
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.