Testing an anti-inflammatory injection to prevent arthritis after ACL injury

Plain-English translation of NCT03968913 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

After an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) knee injury, some patients develop arthritis years later. This early-phase trial tests whether anakinra—a medication that reduces inflammation—injected directly into the injured knee shortly after injury might prevent that long-term arthritis damage. Half the participants will receive the medication, and half will receive salt water (placebo) for comparison.

ACL injuries commonly lead to post-traumatic arthritis even after successful surgery. Researchers believe that controlling inflammation in the joint right after injury might protect the cartilage and prevent arthritis from developing later.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 35 years old with closed growth plates
you have an MRI-confirmed ACL injury within the past 2 weeks
you are active in sports or activities involving cutting and pivoting movements
you plan to have ACL reconstruction surgery using a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft within 45 days of your injury
you have no other serious knee injuries or damage to cartilage

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had any previous surgery on the injured knee
you have a known allergy or bad reaction to anakinra
you have an active infection or immune disorder
you are currently taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
you have received a cortisone injection into either knee within the past 3 months

What participation looks like

You will have two needle procedures on your injured knee before your ACL surgery—one at enrollment (within 2 weeks of injury) and another 3–5 days later. Each procedure involves removing fluid from the knee joint, then receiving either the anti-inflammatory medication or salt water injection through the same needle. A third fluid sample will be taken at the time of your ACL surgery. The study uses ultrasound guidance when possible to minimize discomfort.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 6, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California

Key details

Phase

Safety & dosing

Sponsor

University of California, Los Angeles

Collaborators

Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation

Enrollment target

~32 participants

Started

September 2021

Primary completion

January 2027

Age range

18 Years – 35 Years

Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in January 2026.

Contact the research team directly

Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.

Central contact

Adreanne Rivera

University of California, Los Angeles

Interested in joining?

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