๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-01-27

STaR Trial: Multiple Ligament Knee Injuries (NCT03543098)

STaR (Surgical Timing and Rehabilitation) Trial for Multiple Ligament Knee Injuries

๐Ÿ”ต Active, Not Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿฉบ Clinical Procedure Protocol Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of timing of surgery (early vs. delayed) and timing of post-operative rehabilitation (early vs. delayed) for the treatment of military personnel and civilians that sustain a multiple ligament knee injury. To achieve this overall objective of this project, we will conduct two parallel randomized clinical trials. For the first study we will randomize individuals to timing of surgery and timing of post-operative rehabilitation. We hypothesize that early surgery, early rehabilitation and the combination of early surgery with early rehabilitation will lead to an earlier and more complete return to pre-injury military duty, work and sports and better patient-reported physical function. In the second study, those whose timing of surgery can not be randomized, will be only randomized to early or delayed rehabilitation. For this study, we hypothesize that early rehabilitation will lead to an earlier and more complete return to pre-injury military duty, work and sports activity and better patient-reported physical function.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: University of Pittsburgh โ€” Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Age range: 16 Years to 55 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • Early Surgery (PROCEDURE)
  • Delayed Surgery (PROCEDURE)
  • Early Rehab (PROCEDURE)
  • Delayed Rehab (PROCEDURE)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • University of Pittsburgh โ€” Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—