Return to Play After ACL Reconstruction With Bone Marrow Aspirate, DBM, and an Internal Brace

At the pre-operative appointment, patients will be informed of the research study and have the option to participate. After informed consent, research subjects will provide baseline characteristics via survey from Code. This will include demographics (name, age, date of birth, height, weight, body mass index, smoking status, laterality, mechanism of injury, sport participation) and baseline PROs [International Knee Documentation Form (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Global, Marx Activity Scale, visual analogue scores (VAS) pain, and ACL-Return to Sport Index (RSI) scores]. Data from pre-operative physical exam will also be collected.

Procedural outcomes including graft type, length, and tunnel size will be recorded. Operative time, concomitant pathologies, surgical complications will also be recorded. In addition, costs of the procedure, including surgeon fee, facility fee, and facility cost: charges ratio will be recorded.

RTS evaluation will occur at 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 9- and 12-months and results will determine readiness to RTP by Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) equal or greater than 85% in biomechanical testing (see below).

At 6 months, all subjects will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the operative extremity to investigate bone healing between groups. Imaging for this time-point is paid for by the grant/sponsor; there is no cost to the subject, and it is NOT submitted to insurance.

Primary outcomes will include results of RTS tests in FACL and control groups, RTS rates and timelines after FACL reconstruction, and re-injury rates within 2-years post-operatively. Secondary outcomes will include radiographic outcomes (bone tunnel enlargement), patient-reported outcomes (IKDC, KOOS Global, Marx activity, VAS pain, and ACL-RSI). Complications, total re-operations, and revisions ACL reconstruction rates will also be recorded.

Patient-reported outcomes will be measured preoperatively, and at 6-weeks, 3-months, 4.5-months, 6-months, 9-months, 12-months, and 24-months postoperatively.

Biomechanical Testing Video and/or Virtual Reality Testing: A video/virtual reality approach will track individuals' movements and provide objective data that will guide decisions for both injury risk stratification and neuromuscular training to lower the risk of a non-contact musculoskeletal injury. The video/virtual reality system will be Trazer and/or Vicon. This technology utilizes a virtual avatar that is the mirror image of the subject and will provide subject biomechanical data that will include reaction time, joint angles, and acceleration are variables that will be measured using this technology. Four trials will be performed for each participant.

Force Plate Testing: Force plate technology will be utilized to assess the effects of ground reaction forces on musculoskeletal mechanics. Force components of jumps, hops and balancing capabilities will be assessed in these athletes. This data will provide strengths and weaknesses of athletes and guide development of neuro-motor training regimens to ameliorate weaknesses. Force plate technology utilized will include those from Sparta Science and AMTI. Participants will be asked to balance on each leg twice and to jump on the plate 3 times. Four trials will be performed for each participant.

IMU Testing: A third technology utilized will be inertial measurement units (IMUs) that subjects will wear. The sensors on these devices utilize holsters or less often light adhesives on the skin. These devices have built in algorithms that measure movement and provide objective muscle activation data, which include athlete risk stratification variables that include ROM, varus/valgus stress, and anterior/posterior joint displacement. IMUs utilized will include DorsaVi and Vicon. Four trials will be performed for each participant.

METHODS: SIZE OF COHORT:

The goal sample size will be 125-150 patients in the FACL group and approximately 300 patients in the control group.

ENROLLMENT:

Enrollment will take place at a single site where up to 450 patients will be included in the study. Patients will sign the informed consent if they agree to participate in the study. The anticipated screening and enrollment period will be approximately 12 to 36 months; thus, enrollment should be met.

PROCESS OF SUBJECT ENROLLMENT AND CONSENT Eligible patient and/or legal guardians electing surgery will be identified during their visit to the clinics and will be offered an opportunity to participate. If a patient is deemed a candidate for the study, either the investigator or the site study coordinator will discuss the study in detail. During the discussion the investigator/study coordinator will explain the purpose of the study and will outline the study's requirements. The investigator/site coordinator will also explain that the study is voluntary, that they may withdraw from research at any time, and that their care will not be influenced at all should they elect not to participate in the study or withdraw from the study.

After allowing ample time for questions and answers, the investigator will ask the patient and/or legal guardian for consent. If the patient and/or legal guardian gives verbal consent for participation, he/she will then sign a written, informed consent. The investigator or designee will conduct the informed consent process in a time unlimited, private atmosphere, and in a manner conducive to rational and thoughtful decision making by the subject (or in the case of Children, the subject's legal guardian) without any element of coercion or undue influence. Patient and/or legal guardians may take consent forms home, without signing, to review and consider with advisors.