Using PRP injections to improve recovery after ACL surgery
Official title: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injured Knee to Decrease the Risk of Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA): a Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial
Run by Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · NCT05412381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if PRP injections can help people recover better and reduce inflammation after ACL surgery compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 14 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 56 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hospital for Special Surgery, New York Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 27, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05412381 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 14-50 who have sustained an acute ACL injury within the last 6 weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior ACL reconstruction, significant cartilage lesions, or other ligament 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 clinical trial investigates the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections on reducing inflammation and improving joint function in patients who have suffered acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The study involves a randomized controlled trial design, comparing PRP injections to placebo saline injections in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. It aims to assess the short-term outcomes related to inflammation biomarkers and functional recovery, addressing the common issue of post-traumatic osteoarthritis that can develop after ACL injuries. The trial is powered based on the KOOS Jr. questionnaire, focusing on the functional outcomes of the participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance recovery and reduce the risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with ACL injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with PRP injections in similar contexts, suggesting potential benefits in recovery and inflammation management.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Acute ACL injury within 6 weeks of presentation * Age 14-50 * Male or female * Meniscus injury that can be treated with meniscectomy or repair (the lack of meniscus injury will not exclude patients) Exclusion Criteria: * Prior ACL reconstruction * Prior cartilage repair procedure * Prior meniscus surgery within 12 months * Prior steroid, hyaluronic acid, or PRP injection within 6 months * Other ligament injury requiring repair * Any cartilage lesion requiring repair * Any cartilage lesion greater than grade 2 (partial thickness injury) * History of inflammatory arthritis or joint sepsis * Non English speakers
Where it's running
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Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jessica Andres-Bergos, PhD
- Email: andresbergosj@hss.edu
- Phone: (917) 260-4694
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Gait rehabilitation using biofeedback for knee injuries
This study is testing if real-time feedback on walking can help younger people who had knee surgery recover better and avoid early signs of osteoarthritis.
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Effects of Vibration on Knee Health After ACL Surgery
This study is testing if adding vibration therapy to regular rehab can help people recovering from ACL surgery have better knee health and lower the chance of future injuries.
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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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Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with peroneus longus graft with or without a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection
This test sees if a single 4 ml intra-articular PRP injection given during ACL reconstruction with a peroneus longus graft helps adults (18–50) with isolated ACL tears recover better over 12 months.
-
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.
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.