Testosterone Administration and ACL Reconstruction in Men

Overall Objective: The overall objective of this study is to determine if 8 weeks of testosterone first administered 2 weeks prior to surgery, can improve the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Overall Hypothesis: Standard-of-care rehabilitation with the addition of testosterone administration will augment muscle mass, strength, and physical function following ACL reconstructive surgery compared to standard rehabilitation alone. Significance: Muscle mass and strength are greatly reduced following ACL surgery. The investigators hypothesize that administration of testosterone will minimize these reductions or potentially increase muscle mass and strength. In doing so, testosterone may hasten a patient's return to physical activity. If testosterone improves recovery after ACL surgery, the same treatment may be used for other injuries that involve trauma and muscle atrophy. Furthermore, this study will examine the effect of trauma with or without testosterone on myogenic regulators in muscle tissue taken during ACL surgery-providing possible mechanistic insights for the clinical outcomes.