Comparing treatments for knee osteoarthritis in military personnel
Exploring the Value of the Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) Clinical Practice Guidelines for Non-Surgical Management of Knee Osteoarthritis in the Military Health System
This study is testing whether early referral to physical therapy, along with standard treatments, can help military personnel with knee osteoarthritis feel better and manage their condition more effectively.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brooke Army Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 3 sites (San Antonio, Texas and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03747393 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares two treatment approaches for managing knee osteoarthritis (OA) in military service members. All participants will receive a standardized treatment based on the Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Administration (VA) Clinical Practice Guidelines for Non-Surgical Management of Knee OA. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of early referral to physical therapy alongside the core management strategies over a one-year follow-up period. The interventions include education on nutrition, physical activity, and evidence-based physical therapy techniques.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include TRICARE eligible military personnel aged 18-60 with knee pain and a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis.
Not a fit: Patients who have undergone invasive interventions or surgery for their knee in the past year may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the management of knee osteoarthritis in military personnel, leading to better patient outcomes and potentially lower healthcare costs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated the importance of physical therapy in managing knee osteoarthritis, but this specific comparative effectiveness approach is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * TRICARE eligible beneficiaries (active duty, dependents, and military retired) with a primary complaint of knee pain. * Able to speak and read English well enough to provide informed consent, follow study instructions and independently answer the questionnaires/surveys. * Able to attend treatment sessions for a 4-week period. * Age 18-60 years old * The subject had an initial care visit in the last 90 days with a chief complaint of knee pain, or is scheduled to have one within the week. * Satisfies American College of Rheumatology (ACR) clinical criteria for diagnosis of knee OA for at least one knee. Exclusion Criteria: * In the last year, the subject has received any invasive interventions including injections (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, etc.) or surgery for their knee * History of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) * Has previously received formal PT for the same knee (\> 2 visits) in the last year * Has consulted a surgeon for knee pain for either knee in the past year * History of severe neurologic (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc.) or other condition that prevents walking independently for at least 5 minutes or engaging in a physical activity/exercise program. * Anyone leaving military service for other than regular retirement, pending a medical evaluation board, discharge from the military for medical reasons, or pending or undergoing any litigation for an injury. * Systemic disease that could otherwise be responsible for the subjects knee pain (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or psoriatic arthritis), non-musculoskeletal conditions causing knee pain, personal history of neoplasm, current or recent knee joint infection, recent fall/trauma to knee, acute fracture of knee, lower extremity amputation, or other more likely primary musculoskeletal knee disorders (e.g. patellar tendinopathy, bursitis, runner's knee, etc.) * Currently has a referral to orthopedics or physical therapy for a knee disorder
Where this trial is running
San Antonio, Texas and 2 other locations
- Brooke Army Medical Center — San Antonio, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center — San Antonio, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
- Madigan Army Medical Center — Tacoma, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel I Rhon, DSc — Brooke Army Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rachel Mayhew, DPT
- Email: rachel.j.mayhew.ctr@mail.mil
- Phone: 206-450-0075
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.