Understanding factors affecting recovery after knee ligament surgery

JUPITER 4.0 - Risk Factors for Failure of Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction

Observational Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · NCT06883396

This study looks at how different factors affect recovery after knee ligament surgery in young people with knee instability to see how well they do over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment850 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital for Special Surgery, New York Academic / other
Locations16 sites (Redwood City, California and 15 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06883396 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in patients with recurrent patellar instability. It will collect data on various risk factors that may contribute to recurrent instability following the surgery, as well as functional outcomes reported by patients. Participants aged 10-35 will complete surveys about their knee function and activity levels one and two years post-surgery. The study is conducted by a group of experienced patellofemoral surgeons across the United States.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 10-35 with a history of recurrent patellar instability.

Not a fit: Patients with previous knee surgeries or fixed patellar dislocation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify patients at high risk for recurrent instability, leading to improved surgical strategies and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar surgical approaches, but this specific investigation into risk factors for MPFL reconstruction outcomes is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 10-35 years old
* Recurrent patellar instability with at least one episode defined as either (1) a dislocated patella requiring reduction in the emergency department or (2) a convincing history for dislocation, associated with full giving way, and the following physical findings: (a) hemarthrosis or effusion, (b) tenderness along the medial retinaculum, and (c) apprehension when laterally directed force was applied to the patella or (3) MRI-documented dislocation with associated bone bruises

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous ipsilateral knee surgery
* Obligatory/fixed/habitual patella dislocation or subluxation
* Unloadable inferior or lateral chondral damage on the patella that would require a tibial tubercle transfer for unloading purposes
* Pathologic tibiofemoral instability

Where this trial is running

Redwood City, California and 15 other locations

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 Patellar Dislocation, RecurrentPatellar DislocationPatellar InstabilityPatellofemoral DislocationPatellofemoral Joint DislocationPatellofemoral DisorderPatellaPatella Dislocation
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.