Glucocorticoid injections into myofascial trigger points to treat knee osteoarthritis.

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 is a prospective, randomized, blinded-outcome, non-inferiority trial comparing glucocorticoid injections at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) with complex intra-articular (joint cavity) injections for knee osteoarthritis. Eligible patients are randomized to one of the two injection approaches and followed for two years. Pain (NRS), joint function (WOMAC), and other clinical outcomes are collected at prespecified intervals to compare long-term efficacy. The trial is single-center and conducted at Beijing Tiantan Hospital.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-4) confirmed by at least two orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists, or general practitioners, with physical examination confirming at least one myofascial trigger point;
* Disease duration exceeding 3 months;
* Age ≥ 45 years;
* Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥ 3 points despite prior conservative pharmacological treatment;
* Signed informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of allergy to trial medications such as corticosteroids;
* Alcohol abuse; long-term use of opioids (exceeding 2 weeks or more than 3 days per week for over 1 month); suspected use of sedative or analgesic medications; patients on long-term steroid therapy;
* Severe neurological disorders, significant hepatic or renal dysfunction, heart failure, coagulation abnormalities, gastric ulcer, diabetes, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, etc.;
* Intra-articular injection within the past 6 months or planned joint replacement surgery;
* Inability to use pain assessment scales;
* Presence of local or systemic infection;
* Pregnant or lactating patients.

Where it's running

• Beijing Tiantan Hospital
  Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fang Luo
• Email: 13611326978@163.com
• Phone: +86 13611326978

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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.