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Brace vs. surgery: can a simple knee brace heal a torn ACL?

NCT ID NCT06956339

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Melbourne Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares two ways to treat a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): a new bracing protocol (wearing a knee brace for 12 weeks plus physiotherapy) versus early surgery. 180 people aged 16-40 with a recent ACL tear will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Researchers will track knee pain, function, and quality of life over 18 months to see which approach is more effective.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
knee brace and physiotherapy
What this could lead to
If the bracing protocol works, it could offer a non-surgical option for ACL tears, helping people avoid surgery and its recovery challenges.
What could go wrong
This is a relatively small trial (180 people) and the bracing requires 12 weeks in a brace plus many physio visits. It may not work for everyone, and surgery remains the standard treatment.

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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.

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • The University of Melbourne

    RECRUITING

    Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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