Knee osteoarthritis affects more than 14 million Americans, causing pain and stiffness as cartilage wears down. Current treatment relies on weight management, physical therapy, pain relievers, cortisone shots, and joint replacement surgery. No drugs can reverse cartilage loss or slow disease progression.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing drugs that aim to slow cartilage breakdown, regenerate damaged tissue with stem cells or growth factors, reduce inflammation with biologic drugs, and improve pain through nerve-targeted therapies. Researchers are also studying whether metabolic factors like diabetes drive osteoarthritis progression.
Disease-modifying drugs
Several drugs aim to slow cartilage loss by blocking enzymes that break down joint tissue or by delivering growth factors directly into the knee. Early trials are measuring cartilage thickness on MRI to see if these approaches work.
Stem cell and regenerative approaches
Studies are testing whether injecting stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, or engineered cartilage cells can rebuild damaged tissue. Results so far have been mixed, with questions about which cell types work and how long benefits last.
Pain pathway research
Some people have severe pain with minimal cartilage damage, while others have extensive damage with little pain. Trials are testing nerve-targeted drugs, including monoclonal antibodies against pain signals, to address this disconnect.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on severity of cartilage damage on X-ray or MRI, pain level, body mass index, and whether you've had previous knee surgery or injections.
What types of trials are currently open
- Drug trials — Testing pills or injections that aim to slow cartilage breakdown, reduce inflammation, or block pain signals.
- Injection trials — Testing stem cells, growth factors, or engineered cells injected into the knee to promote cartilage repair or reduce inflammation.
- Device trials — Testing knee braces, insoles, cooling devices, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and improve function.
- Surgery trials — Comparing different surgical techniques, including partial knee replacement and cartilage repair procedures.
- Lifestyle trials — Testing exercise programs, weight loss interventions, or dietary approaches to manage symptoms and slow progression.
Recently added Knee Osteoarthritis trials
Periodontitis in Patients With Osteoarthritis
The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of periodontitis in patients with osteoarthritis. Methods: A case-control study is planned. The research would include patients of the Orthopaedic Clinic, University Hospital Centre Zagreb that have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (cases). The control group would be patients from the Dental Polyclinic Zagreb, where the research will be conducted. All patients would undergo a dental examination to determine their periodontal status and periodontitis stage. Demographic parameters would include: age, gender, education, alcohol and cigarette consumption, exercise habits, BMI, oral hygiene habits, medication and medical history. Expected results: The aim of the study is to determine if there is a link between periodontitis and osteoarthritis. In patients with osteoarthritis a higher prevalence of periodontitis is expected, as well as more advanced stages of periodontitis, compared to the subjects of the control group. Scientific contribution: The results of the study might further confirm and strengthen the association between periodontitis and osteoarthritis. For the first time the proposed study will explore the presence of five key periodontopathogens in periodontal tissues and synovial fluid patients with periodontitis and osteoarthritis and examine the quality of life related to oral health.
Effects of Virtual Reality Environments on Walking in Adults With and Without Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with pain, impaired physical function, and movement-related fear. Psychological factors, particularly fear of movement (kinesiophobia), may influence movement behavior and limit participation in physical activity and exercise therapy. Immersive virtual reality (VR) provides an opportunity to modify the visual environment and potentially influence how individuals perceive safety and threat during movement. However, it remains unclear how VR-induced perceptions of safety and fear affect gait biomechanics, particularly in individuals with KOA. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of immersive VR environments designed to promote safety or induce fear on gait biomechanics and psychological responses in individuals with KOA and healthy adults aged 50 years and older. Participants will perform walking tasks under five experimental conditions: walking without VR, walking in a neutral VR environment, walking in a safety-promoting VR environment on low ground, walking in a fear-inducing VR environment, and walking in a safety-promoting VR environment on high ground. During each condition, participants will walk along a straight 6-meter walkway at their preferred comfortable speed. Gait biomechanics will be assessed using an inertial motion capture system and force platforms. The primary outcome will be gait speed. Additional biomechanical parameters and subjective responses, including perceived fear, safety, and VR-related experiences, will also be assessed. The study aims to determine whether VR environments that alter perceived safety and fear influence walking patterns and whether these responses differ between individuals with KOA and healthy adults. It is hypothesized that fear-inducing VR environments will alter gait biomechanics, particularly gait speed, compared with neutral and safety-promoting conditions.
Find Knee Osteoarthritis trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.