Knee surgery showdown: stitch the stump or snip it?

NCT ID NCT07236593

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Cairo University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study compared two ways to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): one where surgeons stitch the torn ligament stump around the new graft, and the standard method where the stump is removed. 190 patients with recent ACL tears were randomly assigned to one of the two procedures. The goal was to see if preserving the stump reduces widening of the bone tunnel, a common complication that can loosen the graft over time.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: surgical procedure (ACL reconstruction with stump suturing or stump resection)
What this could lead to: If stump suturing reduces tunnel widening, it could improve long-term graft stability and reduce the need for revision surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a completed, moderate-sized study, but it only measured tunnel widening on CT scans, not patient function or re-injury rates. The benefit may not translate into better outcomes.

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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 INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Kasr Alainy

Cairo, Egypt

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