Determining the best dexamethasone dose for knee surgery

Corticosteroids in Total Knee Arthroplasty: How Many Dexamethasone Doses Should Be Given Perioperatively? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT06715709

This study is testing the best dose of dexamethasone for people having knee surgery to see if it can help reduce pain and the need for opioids while also lowering side effects like nausea.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment339 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06715709 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify the optimal and safest dose of dexamethasone administered perioperatively during total knee arthroplasty to reduce postoperative opioid consumption and pain, while also minimizing nausea, vomiting, and complications. It utilizes a multimodal analgesia approach, focusing on decreasing reliance on opioids and enhancing patient satisfaction post-surgery. The study will compare different administration methods of dexamethasone, including intravenous and oral routes, to evaluate their effectiveness in improving recovery outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old scheduled for primary total knee arthroplasty.

Not a fit: Patients who have had recent corticosteroid use, inflammatory arthritis, or other specified medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and faster recovery for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that corticosteroids can effectively reduce postoperative pain and nausea, indicating a promising approach in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Age \> 18 years
* Primary total knee arthroplasty

Exclusion Criteria

* Age \< 18 year
* Revision or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
* Corticosteroid use within 3 months prior to TKA
* Inflammatory arthritis
* Current systemic fungal infection
* Renal or liver failure
* Prior adverse reaction to corticosteroid
* Primary TKA requiring hardware removal

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

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 Arthropathy of Knee
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.