Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 16 to 50

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.

More Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages16 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
Enrollment328 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Akershus
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Lørenskog, Akershus and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 29, 2021
Main results expectedOctober 2026
Study endsDecember 2045
Registry record updatedJanuary 28, 2025
Trial IDNCT04770233 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

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.