Comparing Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate to Corticosteroid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate vs Corticosteroid Injection for Symptomatic Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Rush University Medical Center · NCT05985785

This study is testing whether injections of bone marrow concentrate can help people with knee osteoarthritis feel better compared to traditional corticosteroid injections.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorRush University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05985785 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) on patient-reported outcomes in individuals suffering from primary knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either BMAC injections or corticosteroid injections, with a follow-up period of six months to assess the outcomes. The study aims to enroll 100 patients, with 50 in each treatment group, and includes a crossover option for those initially receiving corticosteroids. The trial is designed to provide insights into the efficacy of BMAC compared to traditional corticosteroid therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with systemic diseases, post-traumatic arthritis, or those who have received recent intra-articular injections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a more effective treatment option for patients with knee osteoarthritis, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with BMAC in treating osteoarthritis, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients between the ages of 18-70
* Long standing knee pain from osteoarthritis (KL grade 2-3) despite conventional treatments such as activity modification, weight loss, physical therapy, analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or injection therapy for at least 6 weeks
* 7-day average pain score of at least 4 on VAS scale

Exclusion Criteria:

* Systemic diseases (Diabetes, malignancies, infections, etc.)
* Post-traumatic arthritis
* Patient had intra-articular injection on affected knee in last three months

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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 Osteoarthritis of the Knee
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.