ACL Reconstruction Studies

In ACL injuries, athletes experience two traumatic events: the initial injury and the stress of reconstructive surgery. While ACL surgery effectively restores knee stability, significant muscle loss can persist for up to two years in high-level athletes. (1,2)

Advanced recovery protocols include a multifactorial approach including prehablitation, early post-op mobilization often including BFR (blood flow restriction) and NEMS (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) in conjunction with targeted perioperative nutritional supplementation. The most critical time to intervene is 1 week pre-op and at least for 2 weeks post-op (this is the most catabolic state).

Watch this video:

*4 Month post-op MRI

Decreased signal intensity with homogeneous pattern consistent with expedited graft ligamentization.

XR® is partnering with advanced machine learning muscle volume analysis (springbok) to measure muscle recovery outcomes after ACL reconstruction.

Utilizing such outcome measures in addition to ultrasound as well as post-op MRI of ACL graft ligamentization,we are more precisely evaluating muscle recovery and graft healing.

Early postoperative use of the advanced XR® ACL recovery protocol has consistently mitigated muscle loss in pilot study athletes. This finding aligns with results from total knee arthroplasty patients (3,4) who received perioperative targeted amino acid supplementation. Preventing early postoperative muscle loss appears to predict muscle volume and strength recovery outcomes at 2 years, emphasizing the importance of targeted amino acid supplementation's anti-catabolic effect in enhancing both short-term recovery and long-term functional outcomes.

Succeeding with ACL Surgery

A Guide to Optimizing Your Outcome

Read The Blog Here

Research Team

  • Michael Alaia, MD

    Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Associate Director, Sports Medicine Fellowship Program

  • Laith M. Jazrawi, MD

    Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Director, Sports Medicine Fellowship Program, Chief, Division of Sports Medicine