Silk fibroin versus cyanoacrylate incision dressings after ACL reconstruction

Prospective Evaluation of Silk Fibroin Versus 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Incision Dressings Following ACL Reconstruction

Not applicable Interventional NYU Langone Health · NCT07217613

This will see if a silk fibroin adhesive dressing (SYLKE) or a cyanoacrylate skin closure causes fewer early skin problems in people having ACL reconstruction.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorNYU Langone Health Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT07217613 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-center, prospective, randomized, parallel-group trial at NYU Langone comparing a silk fibroin adhesive incision dressing (SYLKE) to a cyanoacrylate-based closure (Dermabond or Prineo) in patients undergoing primary or revision ACL reconstruction. Participants are randomized 1:1 with allocation stratified by operating surgeon and receive standardized deep and dermal closure before the assigned dressing is applied. The primary outcome is the incidence of early postoperative skin complications (allergic contact dermatitis, blistering, erythema, and other incision-related issues) assessed at the first postoperative visit (7–14 days). Secondary outcomes include patient-reported comfort, itch, pain, satisfaction, rehabilitation interference at ~30 days, dressing-related complications through 30 days, and scar quality at ≥3 months using the POSAS v2.0 with both blinded and unblinded observer ratings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: People aged 14–60 who are scheduled for primary or revision ACL reconstruction and who can provide informed consent (or assent with parental permission for ages 14–17) and attend study follow-up visits are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with active skin disease at the surgical site, immunocompromised states, known or suspected allergy to silk or cyanoacrylate, uncontrolled diabetes, or active systemic infection are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the silk fibroin dressing could reduce early postoperative skin reactions and improve comfort and scar outcomes after ACL surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Cyanoacrylate closure systems like Dermabond/Prineo are widely used and generally effective, while silk fibroin incision dressings are a newer approach with limited prior clinical data in ACL surgery.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 14 to 60 years
* Scheduled for primary or revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR)
* Able and willing to provide informed consent (≥18 years) or assent with parental/guardian permission (ages 14-17)
* Able and willing to comply with all study-related procedures and follow-up visits

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active dermatologic conditions at or near the surgical site (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, open wounds)
* Immunocompromised state (e.g., uncontrolled HIV, ongoing chemotherapy, chronic corticosteroid therapy)
* Known or suspected allergy or hypersensitivity to silk fibroin or cyanoacrylate adhesives
* Uncontrolled diabetes (defined as most recent HbA1c ≥ 8.0, if available; not measured for study purposes)
* Active systemic infection at the time of enrollment

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 ReconstructionACL reconstructionsilk fibroincyanoacrylatesports medicineSYLKEwound dressingallergic contact dermatitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.