Evaluation of rGH Therapy to Prevent Muscle Atrophy in Patients With ACL Tears
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2018-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among the most frequent traumatic knee injuries
that occur in physically active individuals. Despite advances in minimally invasive surgical
reconstruction techniques and aggressive rehabilitation, this atrophy and loss of strength
can persist even after patients return to full activity and can place them at considerable
risk for re-injury and developing osteoarthritis (OA). The design of new therapeutic
interventions to prevent muscle atrophy is needed to advance the care of patients who suffer
from ACL injuries. The growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis plays an
important role in promoting muscle growth and protecting muscle from atrophy. While GH
therapy has shown promise in protecting immobilized muscle from various models of disuse
atrophy, it remains unknown whether GH can help to restore strength and protect against the
loss in strength that occurs after ACL tear. GH therapy may help to accelerate the safe
return to play of patients that suffer ACL tears, and help to prevent the long-term OA and
reduction in quality of life that occur after these traumatic knee injuries.