Cross Bracing Protocol Versus Surgery for Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

The aim of the EMBRACE clinical trial is to compare outcomes (knee pain, symptoms, function and quality of life) between people with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture who are managed with either a novel bracing protocol (Cross Bracing Protocol), or with ACL reconstruction surgery. The main question that the trial aims to answer is: In individuals with acute ACL rupture, is management with the Cross Bracing Protocol more clinically effective and cost effective compared to early ACL reconstruction surgery? 180 people across five Australian cities, with a recent ACL injury, will be randomly allocated to one of two treatments. 1. Cross Bracing Protocol People who are allocated to the bracing treatment will: * wear a knee brace for 12 weeks * see a sports doctor * have 23 visits to a physiotherapist who will supervise their knee rehab over 12 months. * have two knee scans; 3 and 18 months after they enrol 2. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery People who are allocated to the surgery group will: * have surgery within 8 weeks of enrolling in the study * have 15 visits to a physiotherapist for their knee rehab over 12 months after surgery. * have one knee scan 18 months after they enrol. All participants will: * complete surveys at the beginning and 3, 6, 12 and 18 months later so the main trial outcomes can be collected, as well as additional information about their knee. * have knee imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI scan) so the overall condition of their knee can be assessed, as well as whether their ACL has healed.

NCT Number	NCT06956339
Lead Sponsor	University of Melbourne
Conditions	Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Enrollment	180 participants
Start Date	2025-08-07
Primary Completion	2029-11 (estimated)
Study Completion	2030-03 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-07