Bone scaffold may help ACL grafts heal stronger

NCT ID NCT03462823

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Sandro Fucentese Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 07, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether adding a special bone-like scaffold to the standard hamstring tendon graft improves healing after ACL reconstruction. The scaffold is designed to help the graft bond better with the bone and reduce bone tunnel widening. About 56 people with a recent ACL tear will be randomly assigned to receive either the scaffold-enhanced graft or the standard graft alone. The main goal is to see if the scaffold leads to better bone tunnel healing on CT scans.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: osteoconductive scaffold (bone substitute material)
What this could lead to: If successful, this scaffold could help ACL grafts heal more firmly into the bone, potentially reducing tunnel widening and improving long-term knee stability.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with 56 participants. The scaffold is new and may not improve outcomes over standard surgery, and there is a risk of infection or poor healing.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACL ACL - ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE ACL INJURY

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Balgrist University Hospital

Zurich, 8008, Switzerland

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