{
  "abstract": "Introduction Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries, often requiring surgical reconstruction to restore joint stability and function. However, inflammation and graft-to-bone healing remain critical challenges in postoperative recovery. Micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), rich in mesenchymal stem cells and anti-inflammatory factors, has shown potential in promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. This randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of MFAT injection in enhancing graft-to-bone healing at both the tibial and femoral sides and alleviating postoperative inflammation in ACL reconstruction.Methods and analysis This is a prospective randomised controlled trial involving 70 patients with acute ACL injuries. Participants will be randomised into two groups: a standard ACL reconstruction group and an ACL reconstruction plus MFAT injection group. In the latter group, MFAT will be prepared from the infrapatellar fat pad and injected intra-articularly during surgery. All patients will follow a standardised postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Data will be collected at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Primary outcomes include graft maturity, assessed by signal-to-noise quotient on MRI at 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes include visual analogue scale scores, International Knee Documentation Committee scores and inflammatory marker levels (interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha). Additionally, complications such as infection and graft failure will be monitored during follow-up visits.Ethics and dissemination This study has received ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of Weifang People’s Hospital (approval number: KYLL20250105-5). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrolment. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences to contribute to evidence-based advancements in ACL reconstruction techniques.Trial registration number ChiCTR2500101018.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Joint Surgery, Weifang People's Hospital, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China",
        "Department of Orthopedics, Rehabilitation hospital affiliated to National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China"
      ],
      "name": "Jun Wang"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Endocrinology, Jinhua People’s Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China"
      ],
      "name": "Xinyu Liu"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China"
      ],
      "name": "Huiming Peng"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Anesthesiology, Yangguangronghe Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China"
      ],
      "name": "Hongjuan Fu"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Joint Surgery, Weifang People's Hospital, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China"
      ],
      "name": "Congcong Wang"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Effects of injecting micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) in the tendon-bone junction region during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on postoperative tendon-bone healing: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial in China",
  "uid": "d5ee5994-a8dc-50ce-bdf6-67cf5c9c49dd"
}