Research that guides your care
During your appointment, Mr Ross-Thriepland may have referred to some of the research and clinical trials that inform his advice.
These are gathered here so you can read them in your own time, at your own pace.
Each one is described in plain terms below, with a link to the original source if you'd like to explore further.
ACL surgery and graft outcomes
If you’re considering or recovering from ACL reconstruction, these resources look at the risk of re-injury and how surgeons plan around it.
MOON Knee Group: ACL risk calculator
A large US research collaboration that has followed thousands of ACL reconstruction patients for over 20 years. Their patient website includes a calculator that estimates your personal chance of reinjuring the graft, based on factors like age and activity level.
moonkneegroup.org — link to be confirmed by practiceThe STABILITY trial
A UK and Canadian study comparing standard ACL reconstruction with a version that adds an extra strip of tissue on the outside of the knee, in patients thought to be at higher risk of the graft failing.
hra.nhs.ukThe ACL SNNAP trial
A UK trial run across 29 NHS hospitals, asking whether patients with a longer-standing ACL tear do be!er having surgery straight away, or trying physiotherapy first. The results found earlier surgery gave better outcomes at 18 months.
ndorms.ox.ac.uk, University of OxfordKnee replacement: partial vs total
Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence covering knee replacement surgery. It recommends that where arthritis affects only one part of the knee, patients should be offered a choice between a partial and a total replacement, with the risks and benefits of each explained.
NICE guideline NG157: Joint replacement (primary)
Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence covering knee replacement surgery. It recommends that where arthritis affects only one part of the knee, patients should be offered a choice between a partial and a total replacement, with the risks and benefits of each explained.
nice.org.ukThese resources are provided for general information and to support conversations in clinic. They aren’t a substitute for individual advice about your own knee — please raise any questions at your appointment.