Factors Linked to Worsening or Improving Knee Osteoarthritis Over Time in Early Knee OA or Prior Acute Knee Injury

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This non-interventional cohort study recruits adults 18 years and older with early knee OA, a history of acute knee injury, or a degenerative meniscal tear. Participants provide samples such as blood, cheek swabs, and knee fluid when they are already undergoing routine care or procedures. Researchers will analyze these samples for biological markers and genetic factors to see how they relate to future changes in knee symptoms and structure. The study aims to improve understanding of why OA progresses in some people and remains stable in others, potentially guiding future predictions and personalized care.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

ALL participants must meet the following criteria:

* Male or female, aged ≥18 years of age AND at least one of the following (a-d):

  1. A definite diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis , evidenced by consistent knee symptoms and imaging findings, commensurate with non-advanced KL grade changes (KL 0-2 where an X-ray grade is available)
  2. A symptomatic degenerative meniscal tear with or without definite imaging findings suggesting knee osteoarthritis
  3. Probable early-stage symptomatic knee osteoarthritis without definite imaging changes, fulfilling NICE diagnostic criteria for osteoarthritis:

     * Age 45 or over
     * Activity-related knee pain.
     * Either no morning stiffness or that lasts \<30 minutes
  4. A definite clinically significant acute knee injury at the age of 50 or younger at any stage in the past, evidenced by appropriate clinical history of a traumatic knee episode AND documented imaging or surgical confirmation of a relevant structural injury.
* Willing to provide at least one of the following samples: synovial fluid or blood (a salivary sample is an acceptable alternative for remote participants with a history of knee injury. This alternative also applies to existing participants from ICHTB/IHKB, for whom no prior DNA sample is currently banked)
* Understand English sufficiently to be able to read PIS, ICF and/or Participant Invitation Letter
* Provide an ICF, signed by the participant
* Be capable of complying with Protocol requirements, i.e. completing study questionnaire packs.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known advanced radiographic changes of KOA on available imaging (KL grade 3-4 where available), or other commensurate findings, such as those present on MRI
* Knee joint replacement (uni-compartmental arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty) of the index knee, prior to consent, or planned during current episode of care, or within next 12 months
* Other clinically significant knee pathology such as infection or malignancy affecting the index knee joint or surrounding bone (at any time)
* Surgery to the index knee in the last 3 months
* Any other systemic inflammatory disease (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease), systemic infection, or inflammatory arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout)
* Systemic/intra-articular steroid use to index knee in the last 3 months
* Any use of immunosuppressive drugs or chemotherapy in the last 12 months
* Unwilling or unable to provide follow-up data for minimum 2 years and/or maximum 5 years
* Pregnancy, expecting to be pregnant, near the scheduled Year 2 or Year 3 X-ray visit.
* Other medical reason which would prevent participation, at the discretion of the investigator.

Where it's running

• Centre for Inflammatory Disease, 9th Floor, Commonwealth Building, Imperial College London, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London
  London, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Fiona Watt, Dr — Imperial College London
• Study coordinator: Fiona Watt
• Email: f.watt@imperial.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 07858 367326

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Effects of virtual reality on walking in adults with knee osteoarthritis

  This study tests how immersive virtual reality environments—designed to feel safe or to provoke fear—affect walking and worry about movement in adults 50 and older with knee osteoarthritis and in healthy peers.

  Recruiting University of Primorska · Vilnius and 1 other locations · NCT07920120

• Weekly berobenatide for knee osteoarthritis in adults who are overweight or obese

  This study tests whether weekly berobenatide helps reduce knee pain and improve function, while also affecting body weight, in adults with knee osteoarthritis who are overweight or obese (with or without type 2 diabetes).

  Recruiting Phase 3 Pfizer · Birmingham, Alabama and 3 other locations · NCT07915609

• Autologous adipose-derived stem cell injections for knee osteoarthritis

  We’re testing whether injecting a patient’s own fat-derived stem cells into the knee can help people with knee OA feel less pain and move better, compared with a standard hyaluronic acid treatment.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Yonsei University · Incheon and 2 other locations · NCT07901790

• Preoperative Multimorbidity and Functional Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty

  This study tests whether higher burden of preoperative multimorbidity affects functional recovery after knee replacement in adults with knee osteoarthritis.

  Recruiting Balikesir Ataturk City Hospital · Balıkesir · NCT07882316

• Cartilage biomarker response to acute loading in knee OA by antiresorptive treatment status

  Researchers will test whether a 30-minute treadmill walk changes cartilage biomarkers in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis, comparing those on denosumab, bisphosphonates, and those not on antiresorptives.

  Recruiting Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital · Istanbul, Istanbul · NCT07881861

• Lysyl Enzymes in Knee Osteoarthritis

  This study tests whether blood levels of lysyl hydroxylase and lysyl oxidase differ between people with knee osteoarthritis and healthy individuals.

  Recruiting Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University · Afyonkarahisar · NCT07875296

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.