Brain scans to find links between brain activity and knee replacement outcomes

Brain Network-based Precision Medicine to Predict Dissatisfaction Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Not applicable Interventional Ottawa Hospital Research Institute · NCT07464080

This study uses brain MRI before and after knee replacement to see if patterns of brain activity can predict which patients will be satisfied with their surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOttawa Hospital Research Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ottawa, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT07464080 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The study uses functional MRI to map brain network activity before and after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Researchers will compare pre- and postoperative brain connectivity and link those changes to patient-reported pain, function, and satisfaction. The aim is to identify brain-based markers that could predict who will remain satisfied or dissatisfied after surgery. The work is performed at The Ottawa Hospital and excludes people with major neurological disorders, cognitive impairment, revision or bilateral TKA, or chronic opioid use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18+) scheduled for a primary TKA for osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or osteonecrosis who can undergo MRI, speak English or French (or have an approved translator), and do not have major neurological disease, cognitive impairment, revision/bilateral TKA, or chronic opioid use.

Not a fit: People with major neurological disorders, dementia or cognitive impairment, revision or bilateral TKA, chronic opioid use, or who cannot attend scans at the study site are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help clinicians predict which patients are at higher risk of poor satisfaction after knee replacement so care can be personalized.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked brain connectivity patterns to chronic pain and some postoperative outcomes, but using fMRI to predict patient satisfaction after TKA is a relatively new approach and not yet proven.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female patients aged 18 years or older
2. Primary TKA
3. Diagnosis of osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or osteonecrosis

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability or refusal to sign informed consent form
2. Non-English or French speaking, and no licensed translator, family member or substitute decision maker available
3. History of major neurological disorders (e.g traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis
4. Cognitive impairment or dementia
5. Revision and/or Bilateral TKA
6. Chronic Opioid use

Where this trial is running

Ottawa, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Knee OsteoarthritisKnee Pain ChronicBrain Network ConnectivityPatient SatisfactionBrain MRI
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.