Comparison of Immediate Versus Optional Delayed Surgical Repair for Treatment of Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Through a Parallel, Multicentric, Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the best timing for surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a condition where the knee ligament is damaged. The study compares immediate ACL reconstruction surgery to a conservative approach of rehabilitation with optional delayed surgery if needed. This trial seeks to confirm previous findings that immediate surgery may not always be necessary and aims to identify factors that predict which patients might avoid later surgery. Understanding these factors will help doctors decide the best treatment for each patient. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group receives rehabilitation with their own physiotherapist and may have delayed ACL surgery if persistent knee instability occurs after 12 weeks. The other group undergoes immediate ACL reconstruction surgery within 12 weeks of injury, followed by rehabilitation. The type of surgery and graft used is decided by the orthopedic surgeon, allowing flexibility in treatment. During the study, patients are followed up at 7 months and 12 months after injury to measure clinical effectiveness, including knee symptoms and function. Researchers will also analyze data over 36 months to identify patient-specific factors like symptoms, strength, MRI findings, and psychological aspects that predict the need for delayed surgery. This long-term monitoring will help assess outcomes and improve personalized treatment decisions for ACL injuries.

Immediate Versus Optional Delayed Surgical Repair for Treatment of Acute ACL Injuries