Comparing ketorolac and cortisone injections for knee osteoarthritis

Triamcinolone Ketorolac (TriKe) Knee Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness and Possible Superiority of Ketorolac vs. Cortisone When Injected Intra-Articular in Subjects With Osteoarthrosis

Phase 4 Interventional United Health Services Hospitals, Inc. · NCT05336968

This study tests whether a new knee injection with ketorolac can help people with osteoarthritis feel less pain and move better compared to cortisone injections.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUnited Health Services Hospitals, Inc. Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vestal, New York)
Trial IDNCT05336968 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of intra-articular ketorolac compared to cortisone injections for treating knee osteoarthritis. Participants will receive either ketorolac, cortisone, or a combination of both as a one-time injection into the affected knee joint. The study will assess pain relief and functional improvement through surveys administered before the injection and at multiple follow-up points. The goal is to determine if ketorolac can provide similar or better outcomes than cortisone while minimizing adverse effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 21 with knee pain diagnosed as osteoarthritis and who can complete follow-up surveys.

Not a fit: Patients with recent knee injections, uncontrolled diabetes, or contraindications to the study medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: While there is increasing interest in using ketorolac for intra-articular injections, limited data exists comparing it directly with cortisone in randomized trials, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Knee pain with diagnosis of osteoarthritis/osteoarthrosis
* Weight-bearing x-rays within the last year adequate to assess Kellgran-Lawrence OA stage
* Age \> 21
* English proficiency sufficient to complete surveys
* Willing to complete follow-up surveys

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior knee injection in last 3 months
* Knee surgery within the last year
* Contraindications to Cortisone, Ketorolac, or local anesthetic
* Uncontrolled diabetes
* Systemic steroid use in last 3 months
* BMI \> 50
* Non-ambulatory
* Known kidney disease
* Current opioid use

Where this trial is running

Vestal, New York

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, 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.