Evaluation of rGH Therapy to Prevent Muscle Atrophy in Patients With ACL Tears

GH dose will be calculated by nomogram estimation of body surface area, and will be administered via subcutaneous injection in the abdominal area twice per day (BID) at a dose of 0.5mg GH per body surface area (BSA) in m2 (0.5mg/m2). Patients will begin GH treatment one week prior to surgery and will continue through 5 weeks after surgery. On the day of surgery, patients will not take GH, but otherwise patients will take GH every day over this 6 week period.

A placebo diluent that will be administered via subcutaneous injection in the abdominal area twice per day (BID) at a dose of the equivalent concentration of 0.5mg GH per body surface area (BSA) in m2 (0.5mg/m2). Patients will begin treatment one week prior to surgery and will continue through 5 weeks after surgery. On the day of surgery, patients will not take medication, but otherwise patients will take medication every day over this 6 week period.