Peroneus longus versus hamstring tendon grafts for ACL reconstruction

Comparative Study of Functional Outcomes Between Peroneus Longus and Hamstring Tendon Autografts in Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Khyber Medical University Peshawar · NCT07346326

This study will test whether using the peroneus longus tendon instead of the hamstring tendon gives similar early recovery after ACL reconstruction for adults with an isolated ACL tear.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKhyber Medical University Peshawar Academic / other
Locations1 site (Peshawar, KPK)
Trial IDNCT07346326 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-center, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial enrolling 60 adults with isolated ACL tears who will undergo arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either a peroneus longus tendon (PLT) or a hamstring tendon (HST) autograft, with all procedures performed at Khyber Teaching Hospital and followed by a standardized rehabilitation protocol. Early functional outcomes are measured using the Lysholm Knee Score at six weeks and three months postoperatively, with outcome assessors blinded to graft allocation and analysis by intention-to-treat. The trial is designed to test non-inferiority of the PLT graft and to provide comparative data on donor-site morbidity and early recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with an isolated, primary ACL tear confirmed by clinical exam and MRI who can consent and attend follow-up visits are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with multiligament knee injuries, prior surgery or fractures in the involved limb, radiographic osteoarthritis, or neuromuscular disease are unlikely to benefit from this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer patients an alternative graft that preserves hamstring function and may reduce donor-site problems while maintaining comparable early knee function.

How similar studies have performed: Smaller clinical reports and biomechanical studies suggest the peroneus longus graft can match hamstring graft strength, but high-quality randomized comparisons remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 years or older.
* Isolated, primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury confirmed by clinical assessment and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
* Provides written informed consent for the surgical procedure and study participation, including follow-up assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Multiligament knee injuries (e.g., concomitant PCL, MCL, or LCL injuries).
* Previous surgery or history of fracture in the involved lower limb.
* Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in the affected knee.
* Presence of any neuromuscular disease.

Where this trial is running

Peshawar, KPK

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.
Conditions Anterior Cruciate Ligament InjuriesACL reconstructionHamstring tendon autograftFunctional outcomesArthroscopy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.