RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Descriptive Study of Multiligamentary Reconstruction of the Knee

This study is investigating the best way to fix a knee that has been severely injured, involving several ligaments. When ligaments are badly damaged, doctors often need to use extra tissue, called a graft, to repair them. This research aims to compare two main types of grafts: an 'allograft' (tissue from a donor) and an 'autograft' (tissue taken from another part of the patient's own body). The study will look at how well patients recover, how stable their knee is after surgery, and if one type of graft leads to better long-term results. This is important because there isn't much information yet on how well allografts work for this type of complex knee repair, especially compared to autografts. The goal is to help doctors choose the best treatment for patients with these kinds of knee injuries.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Versailles Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2017

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2035

Injury, Knee

What is this study about?

Imagine your knee as a complex set of hinges and ropes, with the ropes being your ligaments that hold everything together and allow smooth movement. If several of these ropes are badly damaged at once, it's called a multiligamentous knee injury, and it can be very serious. Doctors often need to fix these 'ropes' using extra tissue, called a graft.

This study is looking at two main ways to get this extra tissue: an 'allograft' and an 'autograft'. An allograft means using tissue from a donor, similar to an organ donation. An autograft means using a piece of tissue taken from another part of your own body. Both methods have been used, but doctors are still learning which one gives the best long-term results, especially regarding how stable the knee feels and moves after surgery.

The main purpose of this research is to carefully compare these two graft types. Researchers will check how well people recover, how much their knee moves, and how steady it is after the operation. By gathering this information, they hope to get a clearer picture of which graft kind leads to a better repair for patients with serious knee injuries. This will help doctors make more informed decisions when planning surgery, aiming to give patients the best chance for a good recovery.

Key takeaways

This study compares two ways to repair serious knee ligament injuries: using donor tissue or your own tissue.
It aims to find out which repair method leads to better recovery and knee stability.
Participation involves looking at your past medical records and having a check-up and X-rays.
You must be over 18 and have had a specific type of knee repair surgery to be eligible.
Your participation may help improve future treatments for others with similar injuries.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to join this study, participants must be adults, aged 18 or older. They must have had surgery to repair a severe knee injury involving multiple ligaments, and that surgery must have used either a donor graft (allograft) or a graft from their own body (autograft).

There are also some reasons why someone would not be able to join. For example, if during the original injury, there was also damage to the nerves or blood vessels in the leg, or if there was a fracture (broken bone) in the thigh or lower leg.

Also, if you have a ligament injury in your other knee, or if you've had surgery on the affected knee before this specific ligament repair, you wouldn't be able to take part. These rules help make sure the study focuses clearly on the specific knee injury and repair they are investigating.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you have surgery to fix multiple knee ligaments using either donor tissue or your own tissue?
Did you NOT have nerve or blood vessel damage during your knee injury?
Do you NOT have a serious break in your thigh or lower leg bones?
Have you NOT had previous surgery on the injured knee BEFORE this ligament repair?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is mainly about looking back at the results of surgery you've already had. It involves reviewing your medical records to see how you recovered after your knee surgery. Researchers will also perform a clinical check-up and some imaging tests, like X-rays (radiologic evaluation), to see how well your knee has healed and how stable it is. There are no specific medications to take as part of this study. The total duration of your participation would involve attending these evaluations, but it's not a long-term trial where you'd be followed for many years as part of the research itself.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help improve future treatments for severe knee injuries, as it will give doctors more information about which type of graft works best. The main benefits are for others, though you might gain a deeper understanding of your own surgical outcome. The risks involved are generally minimal, mostly related to the standard discomfort of a clinical exam and very low risks from X-ray exposure, which are part of routine follow-up care anyway. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CH de Versailles
Verified postcode
Le Chesnay, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'multiligamentous knee injury'?

It's when more than one of the strong 'ropes' (ligaments) that hold your knee together are badly damaged at the same time.

What's the difference between an 'allograft' and an 'autograft'?

An allograft uses donor tissue (from another person), while an autograft uses tissue taken from another part of your own body.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It mainly looks at what happened after your surgery.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll have a check-up with a doctor and possibly X-rays to see how your knee has healed and how stable it is.

Can I leave the study if I want to?

Yes, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Nicolas Pujol

npujol@ch-versailles.fr 0139639565 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.