Comparing BMAC and HA injections for ankle osteoarthritis treatment

BMAC vs HA in Infiltrative Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Ankle: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · NCT04883892

This study is testing whether a single injection of bone marrow concentrate works better than two injections of hyaluronic acid for treating ankle osteoarthritis over two years.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna)
Trial IDNCT04883892 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a single injection of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) compared to two injections of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in treating ankle osteoarthritis over a period of 24 months. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomized to receive either treatment, and their progress will be monitored through clinical and radiological assessments. After 12 months, patients in the HA group will have the option to switch to BMAC treatment. The study plans to enroll 120 participants to gather comprehensive data on treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with unilateral degenerative ankle cartilage disease and specific radiographic signs of osteoarthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with recent ankle surgery, significant comorbidities, or those unable to provide consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from ankle osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches using BMAC for joint conditions, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with degenerative ankle cartilage disease;
2. Unilateral involvement on the ankle;
3. Signs and symptoms of degenerative pathology of the ankle cartilage;
4. Radiographic or MRI signs of degenerative pathology of the ankle cartilage (OA Van Dijk grade 1-3);
5. No clinically significant electrocardiographic changes (recently performed ECG).
6. Ability and consent of patients to actively participate in clinical follow-up;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients unable to give consent;
2. Patients who have undergone intra-articular infiltration of another substance in the preceding 6 months;
3. Patients who have undergone ankle surgery in the preceding 12 months;
4. Patients with malignant neoplasms;
5. Patients with rheumatic diseases;
6. Patients with uncompensated diabetes;

9. Patients with uncompensated thyroid metabolic disorders; 10. Patients who abuse alcoholic beverages, drugs or medications; 11. Body Mass Index \> 35;

Where this trial is running

Bologna

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 Ankle Osteoarthritisbone marrow aspirate concentratehyaluronic acidBMACHAankleankle injectionankle OA
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.