Knee osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain and disability in adults over 50, causing cartilage loss, bone changes, and chronic pain that limits walking and daily activity. Total knee replacement works well for end-stage disease, but finding treatments that delay or avoid surgery is a key research priority.
What's actually going on in research
Intra-articular drug delivery — injecting therapies directly into the knee joint — is being tested for corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and newer biologics targeting inflammation and cartilage breakdown. Lorecivivint, a drug targeting the Wnt signaling pathway that drives cartilage degradation, has shown some structural benefit in trials. Sprifermin, a recombinant form of the growth factor FGF-18, is being tested to stimulate cartilage regrowth.
Wnt pathway inhibitors
Drugs like lorecivivint target the Wnt signaling pathway that accelerates cartilage breakdown in knee OA, with early trials showing reduction in joint space narrowing.
FGF-18 cartilage therapy
Sprifermin, a recombinant FGF-18 protein, stimulates cartilage growth when injected into the knee. Trials are assessing whether structural improvement translates to lasting pain relief.
Regenerative injections
Platelet-rich plasma and concentrated bone marrow aspirate injections are being compared against placebo in high-quality trials to establish whether they genuinely reduce pain and slow progression.
What to know before you search
Eligibility usually requires radiographic knee OA confirmation, pain severity above a threshold, BMI limits, and absence of inflammatory arthritis.
What types of trials are currently open
- Drug injection trials — Testing intra-articular injections of corticosteroids, biologics, PRP, or novel agents for pain and cartilage protection.
- Surgical trials — Comparing total knee replacement timing and technique, and evaluating partial replacement for medial compartment disease.
- Device trials — Testing knee unloading braces, joint distraction devices, and cartilage repair implants.
- Exercise and rehabilitation trials — Comparing exercise therapy programs, gait training, and weight management for pain and function.
- Observational studies — Tracking risk factors for progression from early to end-stage knee OA.
Recently added Knee Osteoarthritis trials
Effect of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation on Gait and Plantar Pressure in Patients After Total Knee Replacement
This study aims to investigate the effects of a structured physical therapy and rehabilitation program on gait temporospatial parameters and plantar pressure distribution in patients who have undergone total knee replacement surgery. Patients undergoing total knee replacement often experience alterations in gait patterns and weight distribution, which may affect functional mobility and recovery outcomes. This study will evaluate whether a targeted rehabilitation program can improve walking performance and restore more symmetrical plantar pressure distribution. Participants will be assessed before and after the intervention using objective gait analysis and plantar pressure measurement tools. The findings of this study may help improve rehabilitation strategies and enhance functional recovery following knee replacement surgery.
Knee Osteoarthritis Rehab: High-Intensity Laser vs Classical Modalities
This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) with conventional physical therapy treatments in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition, especially in older adults, causing pain, stiffness, reduced movement, and difficulty performing daily activities. Current treatments focus on reducing pain and improving joint function. In this study, 100 patients with knee osteoarthritis will be divided into two groups. One group will receive HILT combined with therapeutic exercises, while the other group will receive conventional physical therapy modalities along with the same exercises. The treatment outcomes will be evaluated over time. The main outcomes include pain reduction (measured by pain scales such as WOMAC and VAS), improvement in joint function, and structural changes in the knee assessed by MRI. In addition, laboratory tests will be used to measure inflammation, cartilage health markers, and oxidative stress before and after treatment. The goal is to determine whether HILT provides better pain relief, improves joint function, and is safe compared to standard therapy. The results may help improve rehabilitation strategies for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
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