Can a surgical device prevent stiff knee after ACL surgery?
NCT ID NCT04998656
First seen Sep 14, 2026 · Last updated Sep 15, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers compare the Werewolf FLOW 50 electrocautery device with standard care during ACL reconstruction in patients aged 12 to 18. The trial measures how many participants develop arthrofibrosis, a complication that restricts knee movement, and tracks knee range of motion and patient-reported outcomes. The goal is to see whether using the device reduces post-operative knee stiffness compared with surgery that does not use electrocautery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Werewolf FLOW 50 electrocautery device
- What this could lead to
- If the device lowers knee stiffness after ACL surgery, it could become a routine tool in teen ACL reconstruction and reduce the need for follow-up procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single-center study in teens, so results may not apply to adults or other hospitals. Electrocautery can damage tissue if used incorrectly, and the device may not outperform standard care.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
182 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jul 2021
- Finished
-
Nov 2024
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
12 to 18 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 12-18 (inclusive) at time of surgery * Scheduled to undergo ACL reconstruction performed at Children's Hospital Colorado or associated network of care site. Exclusion Criteria: * Underlying congenital or musculoskeletal disorders * Pregnant females, prisoners, and wards of the state * Persons deemed incompetent and those who have limited decision-making capacity
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Children's Hospital Colorado, Main Campus
Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
-
Children's Hospital Colorado, North Campus
Broomfield, Colorado, 80023, United States
-
Children's Hospital Colorado, South Campus
Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 80129, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can ACL surgery recovery skip the opioids?
- Could bone marrow heal a torn ACL without surgery?
- Can a Blood-Soaked sponge regrow a torn ACL?
- Can online therapy boost ACL recovery and return to sport?
- Knee surgery tension: a hidden key to arthritis prevention?
- Could a single radiation dose unlock stiff knees after revision surgery?