Evaluating knee joint space in osteoarthritis during weight-bearing and flexion

3D Joint Space Evaluation in Knee Osteoarthritis: The Importance of Weight-bearing and Flexion

Observational UMC Utrecht · NCT05950854

This study is testing how different positions, like standing or lying down, affect the space in the knee joint for people with osteoarthritis to better understand their condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment21 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUMC Utrecht Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Enschede, Overijssel)
Trial IDNCT05950854 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the changes in joint space width (JSW) in patients with knee osteoarthritis by utilizing weight-bearing MRI. It focuses on understanding how the positioning of patients—whether standing or lying down—affects the measurement of JSW and cartilage thickness. By comparing these measurements, the study seeks to clarify the relationship between joint positioning and cartilage degeneration, which is crucial for evaluating disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and a Kellgren-Lawrence grade of 2 or 3.

Not a fit: Patients who have had previous knee surgeries or are unable to undergo MRI due to safety concerns will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate assessments of knee osteoarthritis, improving treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using weight-bearing MRI is gaining interest, this specific study's focus on the relationship between joint positioning and JSW is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in at least one knee
* \> 18 years old
* Kellgren-Lawrence grade (severity) 2 or 3
* Good knowledge of the Dutch language
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous surgery in (both) symptomatic knee(s)
* Inability to stand for 15 minutes, without assistance
* Unable to fit knee in the MRI coil (knee width \> \~15 cm)
* Not eligible for MRI, in response to the MRI safety checklist

Where this trial is running

Enschede, Overijssel

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 Osteoarthritis, 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.