Comparing different steroid administration methods after knee replacement surgery

Comparison of Perioperative Intravenous vs Periarticular Dexamethasone vs no Steroid Supplementation in Terms of Post-operative Pain, Function, Nausea, Hospitalization Length, and Risk of Complications in Patients Undergoing Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty for Knee Osteoarthritis - A Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Study Protocol

Phase 4 Interventional Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona · NCT04432012

This study is testing whether giving steroids through an IV or directly into the knee helps people recover better after knee replacement surgery compared to not using steroids at all.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment159 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorEnte Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lugano)
Trial IDNCT04432012 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of two methods of steroid administration—intravenous (IV) and intra-articular (IA) dexamethasone—on post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. A total of 159 patients will be enrolled and divided into three groups: one receiving IV dexamethasone, another receiving IA dexamethasone, and a control group receiving no steroids. The primary focus is to assess post-operative pain, while secondary outcomes include opioid consumption, knee function, and patient satisfaction. The study also aims to evaluate the safety of both steroid administration methods compared to standard care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults undergoing unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty with a BMI between 18.5 and 35.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to steroids, those undergoing revision knee surgeries, or individuals with uncontrolled diabetes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and recovery outcomes for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with steroid supplementation in post-operative pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing unilateral primary TKA at the Ospedale Regionale di Lugano.
* Patients with a BMI \>18.5 and \<35.
* Patients able to provide informed consent and follow all the study procedures as indicated by the protocol.
* Informed Consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to steroids.
* Revision TKA.
* Active steroid therapy.
* Women who are pregnant or breast feeding.
* Presence of other clinically significant concomitant disease states (ASA IV).
* Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
* Known or suspected non-compliance, drug or alcohol abuse.
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc. of the participant.
* Participation in another study with investigational drug within the 30 days preceding and during the present study.
* Previous enrolment into the current study.
* Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons.

Where this trial is running

Lugano

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 Total Knee ReplacementKneesurgeryreplacementarthroplasty
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.