Comparing Quadriceps Tendon and Patellar Tendon Autografts for ACL Reconstruction A Randomized Controlled Trial for Patients Aged 14 to 65

What this Trial Is About

The trial investigates the choice between two types of autografts for anterior cruciate ligament ACL reconstruction the quadriceps tendon and the bone-patellar tendon-bone BTB autograft. While previous studies compared tendon types with bone plugs, this randomized controlled trial compares an all soft tissue quadriceps tendon graft to the patellar tendon graft. The goal is to better understand which graft type may be appropriate for ACL reconstruction in patients meeting specific criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving the BTB autograft harvested from the middle third of the patellar tendon, and the other receiving the quadriceps tendon autograft harvested from the quadriceps tendon. Both procedures involve securing the graft with surgical hardware during ACL reconstruction surgery. After surgery, participants will follow standard rehabilitation and mobility instructions, attending routine postoperative visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months. X-rays and other assessments are done at specific time points during follow-up. Participants will undergo initial assessment including KT-1000 manual maximum side-to-side difference measurements and complete various surveys after surgery. Routine postoperative appointments will include x-rays and multiple functional and pain assessments over two years. The primary outcome is the KT-1000 Arthrometer measurement at surgery and nine months after. Secondary outcomes include knee function scores, activity levels, pain scales, re-rupture rates, and return to sport indices. Participants should expect routine clinical care visits with some additional survey and measurement activities related to the study.

Quadriceps Tendon Versus Bone Patellar Tendon Bone Autograft ACL Reconstruction RCT