Comparing surgery and exercise for chronic knee pain
Surgery and Exercise Versus Exercise Only for Chronic Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: a Randomised Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether combining a specific knee surgery with a home exercise program helps people with chronic knee pain feel better compared to just doing the exercise program alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nijmegen, Gelderland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06227806 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of tibial tubercle transfer surgery combined with a home exercise program against a home exercise program alone in patients suffering from chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Participants will be randomly assigned to either the surgery group or the exercise-only group. The study will evaluate differences in activity-related pain and patient-reported outcomes between the two groups over time. The goal is to determine whether the surgical intervention provides significant benefits over exercise alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a history of chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome lasting at least 12 months and specific anatomical criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with previous knee surgeries or other significant knee conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into more effective treatment options for patients with chronic knee pain.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar surgical and exercise interventions for knee pain, showing varying degrees of success, but this specific comparison is less commonly tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Characteristic history of PFPS (patellofemoral pain during knee loading physical activity, such as jumping, running, squatting); * Symptoms lasting at least 12 months; * Tibial tubercle trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance of 15mm or more on CT or MRI; * Patellofemoral pain during daily life activities, such as: standing for an extended period, walking, or walking upstairs or downstairs Exclusion Criteria: * Previous knee surgery; * Reported knee ligamentous or meniscal injuries; * Disabling general illness; * A history of patellar dislocation; however, subjects with patellar subluxation are included in the study; * Other knee problems than PFPS diagnosed clinically (such as jumper's knee); * Other knee problems than PFPS diagnosed radiographically (such as osteochondritis - dissecans); * Patients who cannot undergo surgery; * Pregnancy; * Patients with inability to complete follow-up or with limited understanding of the Dutch language
Where this trial is running
Nijmegen, Gelderland
- Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital — Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sander Koëter, PhD — Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sander Koëter, PhD
- Email: s.koeter@cwz.nl
- Phone: 024-365 8265
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.