Corticosteroid Added to Periarticular Injection in Total Knee Replacement
Official title: Adjunctive Use of Corticosteroid in Periarticular Injections in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Run by Walter Reed National Military Medical Center · NCT07151417 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding a corticosteroid to the pain injector used during knee replacement helps reduce pain and opioid use, and compares two steroids to see which works best, especially for people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase2; Phase3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07151417 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults undergoing primary total knee replacement at specified military and civilian centers, including those with diabetes evaluated for safety of Zilretta.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with UKA or revision TKA, pregnant or nursing women, or those with known allergies to PAI components or steroids may not benefit; diabetics are excluded from the methylprednisolone arm.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares three periarticular injection strategies used during total knee replacement: standard injection, standard injection plus methylprednisolone, and standard injection plus Zilretta. It aims to determine which approach provides better pain relief, lowers opioid use, and improves knee function postoperatively. The trial includes adults undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty and analyzes safety, with a focus on diabetes-related effects for the Zilretta arm. The COVID-era and military hospital setting may influence participant selection and logistics. Primary outcomes likely include pain scores, opioid consumption, and functional measures in the recovery period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience better pain control and reduced opioid needs after knee replacement.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work supports the idea that corticosteroids in periarticular injections can improve pain control, but results vary by steroid type and patient factors.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients within the MHS who are DEERS eligible undergoing primary TKA at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Surgery Center of Chevy Chase or District Surgery Center * Age 18 or older * successful surgical intervention Exclusion Criteria: * Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) * Revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) * Females who are pregnant or nursing * Allergic to ingredients in PAI or previous adverse reaction to steroids being used in this study * Diabetics will be excluded from Group 2 (standard PAI + methylprednisolone)
Where it's running
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Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John P Cody, MD — Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
- Study coordinator: John P Cody, MD
- Email: john.p.cody3.mil@health.mil
- Phone: 301-538-2472
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.