Altered Joint Mechanics and Biological Response in Osteoarthritic Knees
Official title: Altered Joint Mechanics and Biological Response in Osteoarthritic Knees. A Study in Patients Undergoing Corrective Treatment for Knee Misalignment.
Run by Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT07481461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how braces or high tibial osteotomy (HTO) affect knee bone and cartilage in people with knee OA who are scheduled for corrective treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 12, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2030 |
| Study ends | April 2030 |
| Registry record updated | July 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07481461 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with chronic knee OA and limb misalignment who are scheduled for HTO or brace treatment and can complete MRI/CT imaging and follow-up at KU Leuven.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients not undergoing corrective realignment or those with BMI over 30 or other exclusion criteria may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial investigates the effects of corrective knee treatments—bracing or high tibial osteotomy—on subchondral bone microstructure and cartilage in adults with early to moderate knee OA and limb misalignment. Participants will undergo advanced imaging (photon counting CT and MRI) and gait analysis to characterize structural and functional changes. The study is conducted at KU Leuven, enrolling individuals who will receive the planned corrective intervention and have follow-up at the same center. The goal is to better understand why some patients experience treatment failure and how to optimize correction. Safety monitoring and eligibility criteria ensure participants can complete imaging and follow-up assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could clarify how braces or HTO influence knee structure and improve future treatment planning for OA.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests variable long-term success for HTO and braces; this study adds imaging-based insights to understand outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Voluntary written informed consent of the participant or their legally authorized representative has been obtained prior to any screening procedures. * Chronic symptoms of (early) knee OA. * Misalignment of the lower limb and scheduled for HTO surgery (regardless of the HTO technique used (lateral or medial, closing or opening wedge)) or brace treatment. * Follow-up at UZ Leuven. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute OA symptoms onset (previous knee injury) * Pregnant women * MRI checklist incomplete or failed * BMI \> 30 * Impaired vision or neurological condition that affect coordination and balance * Age \<18 (no minors will be included in the study)
Where it's running
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Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Harry van Lenthe, Prof. Ir. — Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
- Study coordinator: Harry van Lenthe, Prof. Ir.
- Email: harry.vanlenthe@kuleuven.be
- Phone: +32 16 32 25 95
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.