The ACL SNNAP Trial: ACL surgery necessity in non acute patients
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN10110685 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10110685 |
| ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) | NCT02980367 |
| Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) | Nil known |
| Protocol serial number | CPMS 31501 |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford |
| Funder | National Institute for Health Research |
- Submission date
- 02/11/2016
- Registration date
- 16/11/2016
- Last edited
- 01/07/2024
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a tough band of tissue in the middle of the knee, preventing the shin bone (tibia) from sliding out in front of the thigh bone (femur). It is one of the four main ligaments within the knee, and the most common to be injured. An ACL rupture is a common knee injury, which often occurs during high-intensity sports such as football or basketball. They happen when the ACL in the knee is over-stretched and becomes torn (ruptured). This causes the knee joint to become very unstable and can make some types of movement very difficult. There are two main NHS treatment options for this problem, non-surgical treatment using physiotherapy or an operation to replace the ligament (ACL reconstruction). This lack of research means that treatment varies between surgeons and hospitals. Some doctors feel that all patients should undergo surgery and as soon as possible to stabilise the joint, prevent buckling and stop any further damage. At least 13,941 of these operations were performed in the UK last year (although other records suggest a figure closer to 50,000). The costs of ACL surgery to the NHS amount to about £60 million per year. Others feel that blanket referral for operative treatment is controversial as surgery may not always be necessary. It is known that a stable knee can be achieved in many patients by using physiotherapy exercises. Some therefore feel that a rehabilitation programme should always be tried first before considering surgery. The aim of this study is to determine the best treatment for ACL rupture.
Who can participate?
Adults who injured themselves at least four months ago who have an ACL rupture.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group receive regular physiotherapy sessions under the care of clinicians who specialise in this injury. The sessions work on improving the strength of leg muscles, balance and ability to return to activities. Those in the second group undergo ACL reconstruction surgery. This involves an operation where the torn ligament is replaced with a graft (tissue taken from a tendon in another part of the knee). In both groups, the treatments provided are the standard treatments offered at that particular hospital. All patients participating in this study attend follow up visits and are monitored at their local hospital as they would normally following physiotherapy or surgery. If any problems are experienced a re-view appointment is arranged with the clinical team to discuss future management. If further treatment is needed, this is also arranged. Participants are asked to complete an email or paper follow up questionnaire at 6, 12 and 18 months afterward. The questionnaires ask for information about their injured knee and the associated impact of this on quality of life. Patients may also be contacted by one of our researchers and invited to discuss their experiences of the treatment.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There are no direct benefits of participating however the information gained from participation could lead to improving future treatments for patients with ACL injury. There are no anticipated risks or disadvantages to participating in this study.
Where is the study run from?
At least 15 NHS hospitals in England and Wales (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2014 to September 2021 (updated 05/05/2021, previously: April 2021)
Who is funding the study?
National Institute for Health Research (UK)
Who is the main contact?
1. Professor David Beard (scientific)
david.beard@ndorms.ox.ac.uk
2. Loretta Davis (public)
loretta.davies@ndorms.ox.ac.uk
(updated 03/01/2020, previously: Mr Carlos Areia)
Contact information
Scientific
Surgical Intervention Trials Unit
NDORMS
Botnar Research Centre
University of Oxford
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Windmill Road
Oxford
OX3 7LD
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 1865 737929 |
|---|---|
| david.beard@ndorms.ox.ac.uk |
Public
Surgical Trials Unit (SITU)
Botnar Research Centre
Windmill Road
Headington
Oxford
OX3 7LD
United Kingdom
 ORCID ID |
0000-0002-4721-356X |
|---|---|
| Phone | +44 (0)1865 737210 |
| loretta.davies@ndorms.ox.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Randomized; Interventional; Design type: Treatment, Process of Care, Education or Self-Management, Complex Intervention, Physical, Management of Care, Surgery, Rehabilitation |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Participant information sheet | ISRCTN10110685_PIS_13Oct16_V2.0.pdf |
| Scientific title | Comparison of the clinical and cost effectiveness of two management strategies for non-acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury: Rehabilitation versus surgical Reconstruction |
| Study acronym | ACL SNNAP |
| Study objectives | The aim of this study is to determine in patients with non-acute (greater than 4 months since injury) Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency (ACLD) whether a strategy of non-surgical management [physiotherapy rehabilitation with option for later ACL reconstruction only if required) is more clinically effective and cost effective than a strategy of surgical management (reconstruction). |
| Ethics approval(s) | South Central – Oxford C Research Ethics Committee, 12/10/2016, ref: 16/SC/0502 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Specialty: Musculoskeletal disorders, Primary sub-specialty: Elective orthopaedic surgery; UKCRC code/ Disease: Musculoskeletal/ Other disorders of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue |
| Intervention | Both interventions are routine NHS treatments. Intervention content is based on a minimal set of pre-established criteria in order to ensure the integrity of the comparison while allowing for varying in practice in delivering the interventions between both surgeons and physiotherapists. This largely pragmatic approach will allow clinical management to reflect current practice and resource use within the NHS thus aiding generalisation. Participants will be allocated a study number and randomised on a 1:1 basis to receive one of two management options, non-surgical management (Rehabilitation) or surgery (Reconstruction). Randomisation will be performed using a web based automated computer generated system and will be stratified by site and baseline KOOS(4) to ensure balance across groups. Non-surgical management (Rehabilitation): Routine ACL rehabilitation protocols used at participating sites will be followed. As part of the site selection process, documentary evidence of the use of or willingness to adopt a rehabilitation protocol that reflects the guidelines of the mandatory aims/goals set for the study rehabilitation intervention will be required. Surgical Management (Reconstruction): All surgical reconstructions will be patella tendon or hamstrings tendon depending on the surgeon’s preference. All other care will be routine, including immediate post-operative care. Other than the allocated intervention, both groups will be followed-up in the same way to exclude bias. Follow up for study purposes will be by patient self-reported questionnaire completed using an electronic data capture collection system (a postal option will also be available). The questionnaire will include the outcomes indicated in section 4 and will be completed by participants at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months. Non-response will be minimised through use of multiple reminders such as web based, phone and text. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS4) is meaured at at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months. |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. Return to activity/level of sports is measured by the Modified Tegner scale at baseline and 6, 12 and 18 months |
| Completion date | 11/09/2021 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 320 |
| Total final enrolment | 316 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study 2. Male or Female, aged 18 years or above 3. Symptomatic ACL deficiency (instability-episodes of frank giving way or feeling unstable) with ACL deficiency confirmed using clinical assessment and MRI scan |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Less than 4 months since injury 2. Previous knee surgery (other than diagnostic arthroscopy)to index knee, concomitant severe injury to contra-lateral knee 3. Meniscal pathology considered sufficiently symptomatic to require surgery i.e. locked knee, large bucket handle cartilage tear 4. Knee joint status is grade 3-4 on the Kellgren and Lawrence scale 5. Inflammatory arthropathy 6. Grade 3 MCL/LCL injury, associated PCL/PLC injury 7. Pregnancy |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/12/2016 |
| Date of final enrolment | 11/03/2020 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
- Wales
Study participating centres
Windmill Road
Headington
Oxford
OX3 7LD
United Kingdom
London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN
United Kingdom
Mansfield Road
Sutton-in-Ashfield
NG17 4JL
United Kingdom
Heath Park
Cardiff
CF14 4XW
United Kingdom
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6BB
United Kingdom
Higher Kingston
Yeovil
BA21 4AT
United Kingdom
Heath Road
Ipswich
IP4 5PD
United Kingdom
250 Euston Road
London
NW1 2PG
United Kingdom
Gwendolen House
Gwendolen Road
Leicester
LE5 4QF
United Kingdom
Anlaby Road
Hull
HU3 2JZ
United Kingdom
Southwick Hill Road
Portsmouth
PO6 3LY
United Kingdom
Portsmouth Road
Frimley
GU16 7UJ
United Kingdom
Morriston
Heol Maes Eglwys
Swansea
SA6 6NL
United Kingdom
Herries Road
Sheffield
S5 7AU
United Kingdom
Walsgrave General Hospital
Clifford Bridge Road
Coventry
CV2 2DX
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Data sharing statement to be made available at a later date |
| IPD sharing plan | The current data sharing plans for the current study are unknown and will be made available at a later date. |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | 20/08/2022 | 22/08/2022 | Yes | No | |
| Results article | 01/06/2024 | 01/07/2024 | Yes | No | |
| Protocol article | protocol | 14/05/2020 | 18/05/2020 | Yes | No |
| HRA research summary | 28/06/2023 | No | No | ||
| Participant information sheet | version V2.0 | 13/10/2016 | 16/11/2016 | No | Yes |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
| Statistical Analysis Plan | 12/05/2022 | 16/05/2022 | No | No | |
| Study website | Study website | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Additional files
- ISRCTN10110685_PIS_13Oct16_V2.0.pdf
- Uploaded 16/11/2016
Editorial Notes
01/07/2024: Publication reference added.
20/12/2023: Total final enrolment added.
22/08/2022: Publication reference added.
16/05/2022: Publication reference added.
05/05/2021: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. The recruitment end date was changed from 01/12/2018 to 11/03/2020.
2. The overall end date was changed from 01/04/2021 to 11/09/2021.
3. The intention to publish date was changed from 31/12/2021 to 11/09/2022.
4. The plain English summary was updated to reflect these changes.
5. The trial website was added.
18/05/2020: Publication reference added.
03/01/2020: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. The public contact was changed from Mr Carlos Areia to Loretta Davies.
2. The plain English summary was updated to reflect these changes.
04/07/2019: ClinicalTrials.gov number added.
