Corticosteroid injection for knee surgery patients

COSTI: COntralateral CorticoSTeroid Injection in Total Knee Arthroplasty - A Triple Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial Pilot Study

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Unity Health Toronto · NCT06809998

This study is testing if giving corticosteroid injections to the other knee can help people with both knees affected by osteoarthritis recover better after knee surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUnity Health Toronto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06809998 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of administering corticosteroid injections to the contralateral knee in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis. It is a triple-blinded randomized control trial aimed at assessing pain relief and functional outcomes post-surgery. The study focuses on patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis, where the contralateral knee may also experience pain and limited function. By using corticosteroids, the study seeks to improve rehabilitation outcomes and reduce postoperative stiffness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with primary osteoarthritis requiring unilateral TKA and significant pain in the contralateral knee.

Not a fit: Patients with other causes of osteoarthritis or those scheduled for bilateral TKA may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery and quality of life for patients undergoing knee surgery by alleviating pain and improving function in both knees.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown moderate success with corticosteroid injections in managing pain and improving function in arthritic joints, suggesting potential for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients 18 years of age and older
* Primary osteoarthritis diagnosis with indication for primary elective unilateral TKA
* No previous contralateral knee injections (steroids/biologics) within one year of study
* Not scheduled for bilateral TKA or a subsequent staged contralateral TKA within the next six months
* No previous or active infection or trauma (osseous/ligamentous/extensor mechanism) on the contralateral knee
* Contralateral knee pain \& symptoms - defined as a VAS of \>4/10 at initial pre-op visit
* Contralateral knee OA quantified as: Kellgren and Lawrence grade \>2-4

  * Assessed by PI (AK) who will not be contributing any patients to the study through examination of blinded knee radiographs (3 views: AP/lateral/Sunrise)
* Patient is able to read and understand English and provide informed consent to participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other aetiologies of OA that warrants TKA (inflammatory or post traumatic arthritis)
* Cognitive impairment (dementia, Alzheimer's, uncontrolled delirium) which will prevent patients from completing primary outcome measure or comply with follow-up requirements
* Previous TKA or ORIF or nailing on either knee
* Previous or active knee infection or extensor mechanism disruption
* Previous arthroscopy on either knee
* Medical contraindication to elective TKA surgery

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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 Total Knee AnthroplastyOsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis of the KneeBilateral Knee OsteoarthritisCOSTITotal Knee ArthroplastyCorticosteroid Injection
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.