RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Biomechanical Outcomes of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

This study is investigating a type of knee surgery called Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI). This surgery helps repair damaged knee cartilage, which is the smooth lining of your bones that helps them move easily. When cartilage gets damaged, it can cause pain and make moving difficult. While we know this surgery can reduce pain, we don't fully understand how it affects knee movement and function. This research aims to find out if knee function truly improves after ACI surgery. This information will help doctors guide patients better and could lead to new ways of treating problems after surgery, like physiotherapy. We are doing this because untreated cartilage damage can lead to painful arthritis later in life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

Start

22 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

13 Jul 2026

Chondral Defect

What is this study about?

When you hurt your knee, you might damage the smooth lining on the ends of your bones, called cartilage. This cartilage helps your knee bend and straighten easily, like a natural shock absorber. If it gets damaged, it can be very painful and make simple things like walking or playing sports really hard.

Unfortunately, cartilage can't fix itself very well. So, sometimes surgery is needed to repair it. One type of surgery is called Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation, or ACI for short. This study is looking at people who are going to have ACI surgery in their knee. We already know that this surgery can help reduce pain, but we don't fully understand if it also makes the knee work better and move more freely. This research wants to find that out. By understanding how the surgery affects movement, we can help doctors and patients know what to expect and make better decisions.

Understanding the actual benefits of this surgery is really important. If cartilage injuries aren't fixed properly, they can turn into a painful, long-term condition called arthritis later in life. So, by making sure we treat cartilage injuries effectively, we might be able to prevent arthritis. The results of this study could help improve the care for people with knee cartilage damage and potentially lead to better recovery plans, like specific physiotherapy exercises.

Key takeaways

This study looks at how knee movement improves after ACI cartilage surgery.
It aims to help doctors and patients understand what to expect from the surgery.
Untreated cartilage injuries can lead to arthritis, so effective treatment is important.
Participation involves two assessment appointments, one before and one 6 months after surgery.
Results could lead to better post-surgery care, like specific physiotherapy.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years old or over) and have been told by a specialist knee surgeon that you have damage to the cartilage in your knee. Most importantly, you must already be scheduled to have the ACI surgery for this cartilage damage.

You won't be able to take part if you are under 18 years old. Also, if you are having any other type of knee treatment or surgery that isn't ACI, then this study isn't suitable for you. This is because the study specifically wants to look at the effects of ACI surgery.

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?
Have you been diagnosed with cartilage damage in your knee by a specialist surgeon?
Are you already scheduled for ACI (Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) surgery for this cartilage damage?
Are you NOT having any other type of knee treatment or surgery instead of ACI?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll have two appointments at your own hospital. The first appointment will happen before your ACI surgery. At this appointment, we will check how your knee moves, as well as your balance and how you walk. The second and final appointment will take place about six months after your surgery. We'll do the same checks on your knee at this follow-up appointment. There are no extra medications or treatments involved, we are simply observing the effects of the surgery you are already planning to have. In total, your participation will involve these two study appointments over a six-month period after your surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include helping to improve understanding of ACI surgery, which could lead to better care for future patients. There are no direct medical benefits to you from participating, as you would be having the surgery regardless. The risks are minimal and mainly involve the time taken for the two assessment appointments. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (7)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Addenbrooke's Hospital
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Chapel Allerton Orthopaedic Centre
Verified postcode
Leeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Trafford General Hospital
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Southampton General Hospital
Verified postcode
Southampton, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
Verified postcode
Stanmore, United Kingdom· Recruiting
New Cross Hospital
Verified postcode
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is cartilage and why is it important?

Cartilage is the smooth, slippery tissue that covers the ends of your bones in a joint, like your knee. It helps your bones glide over each other easily and acts as a shock absorber. When it's damaged, it can cause pain and difficulty moving.

What is ACI surgery?

ACI stands for Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation. It's a type of surgery where a surgeon takes some of your own healthy cartilage cells, grows more of them in a lab, and then puts them back into the damaged part of your knee to help it heal.

Will I get paid for taking part?

No, you will not be paid for taking part in this study. However, your involvement will contribute to valuable research.

Who is funding this research?

This research is funded by two organisations: Orthopaedic Research UK and the British Association for Surgery of the Knee.

What happens to my information?

All information collected during the study will be kept private and handled carefully. Your name or personal details will not be used in any reports or publications from the study.

How to find out more

Gwenllian F Tawy, PhD

gwenllian.tawy@manchester.ac.uk 01617462371 Official trial record

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