Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing two methods of antibiotic delivery during knee surgery

Official title: Intraosseous Vancomycin and Cefazolin vs Intravenous Administration in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Run by The Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NCT06640491 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether giving antibiotics directly into the bone during knee surgery works better than the usual method of giving them through an IV to help reduce complications after surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorThe Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 15, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 1, 2030
Study endsDecember 1, 2035
Registry record updatedMay 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT06640491 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for elective primary total knee arthroplasty.

Probably not a fit

Patients with contraindications to vancomycin or cefazolin, or those with a BMI over 40, may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intraosseous (IO) versus intravenous (IV) administration of antibiotics, specifically vancomycin and cefazolin, in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the standard IV treatment or the experimental IO treatment. The study will assess whether IO administration reduces perioperative exposure risks and if there are differences in post-operative complication rates between the two methods. Conducted at Houston Methodist Hospital, this trial seeks to improve antibiotic delivery methods in surgical settings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved outcomes and reduced complications for patients undergoing knee surgery.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of IO antibiotic administration is less common, similar studies have shown promise in other surgical contexts, suggesting potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient is scheduled to undergo an elective primary total knee arthroplasty.
* Patient is able to understand the study design and intervention and gives informed consent to participate in the study.
* Patient is 18 years or older.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to receiving vancomycin or cefazolin.
* Body mass index (BMI) \> 40.
* Uncontrolled Diabetes (defined as A1c \> 7.5%).
* Patient received or is scheduled to receive IV vancomycin or cefazolin within 7 days prior to their planned procedure.
* Any hardware, condition, or anatomic status that prevents the tibial tubercle from being a viable intraosseous injection site.
* Refusal to participate
* Any condition, in the opinion of the primary investigator, that deems the participant unsuitable for participation in the research study.

Where it's running

  • Houston Methodist Hospital
    Houston, Texas, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.