New cartilage implant aims to outperform microfracture for ankle injuries

NCT ID NCT06915233

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Vericel Corporation Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This Phase 3 trial tests whether a lab-grown cartilage implant (MACI) can better repair painful ankle cartilage defects than the standard microfracture procedure. About 309 adults aged 17-65 with ankle cartilage damage will be randomly assigned to receive either MACI or microfracture surgery. The main goal is to see if MACI leads to greater improvements in pain and function after two years.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: MACI (lab-grown cartilage cells on a collagen membrane)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a more effective, long-lasting repair option for painful ankle cartilage defects, potentially reducing pain and improving function better than the current standard microfracture procedure.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 3 trial, but it's still experimental. The treatment requires surgery, and there's a risk the new cartilage may not integrate well or provide better outcomes than microfracture. Long-term benefits are not yet proven.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

articular cartilage disorder bone disorder Cartilage Diseases chondromalacia connective tissue disorder musculoskeletal system disorder Osteochondritis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ARTICULAR CARTILAGE DEFECT CHONDRAL DEFECT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Duke Orthopaedic Surgery
RECRUITING

Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States
Elevate Clinical Research
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77058, United States
Elevate Clinical Research Wichita
RECRUITING

Wichita, Kansas, 67226, United States
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
RECRUITING

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20007, United States
Rodaro, LLC
RECRUITING

San Antonio, Texas, 78251, United States
UC Davis Foot and Ankle Clinic
RECRUITING

Sacramento, California, 95816, United States
University of Virginia
RECRUITING

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States

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