Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 12, 2026
Main results expectedApril 2030
Study endsApril 2030
Registry record updatedJuly 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT07481461 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

  • Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
    Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.