Medial knee osteoarthritis: inside vs outside corticosteroid injection
Official title: Does Injection Site (Anteromedial vs Anterolateral) Affect Pain Relief After Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection in Moderate-to-Severe Medial Knee Osteoarthritis?
Run by University of Chicago · NCT07804446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether injecting a steroid inside the knee joint leads to different pain results than injecting it on the outside of the knee in people with medial knee osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Bolingbrook, Illinois and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 31, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07804446 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 40 years or older with radiographically confirmed moderate-to-severe medial knee OA who are planning a corticosteroid knee injection.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with predominantly lateral or patellofemoral OA, inflammatory arthritis, prior knee surgery on the index knee, or inability to complete follow-up may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with knee osteoarthritis affecting the inner knee will be randomly assigned to receive either an anteromedial (inside) or anterolateral (outside) corticosteroid injection as part of standard care. Participants will complete a pain survey before the injection and then by phone at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after the injection. The study uses patient-reported pain outcomes to compare the effects of the two injection approaches over 12 weeks. No treatment beyond the standard knee injection will be required, and follow-up will be conducted remotely when possible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one approach provides better pain relief, patients and clinicians can use that information to guide injections.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in knee OA have explored injection approaches, with mixed results, making this a targeted assessment of medial knee involvement.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 40 * Clinical diagnosis of knee OA with predominant medial compartment symptoms * Radiographic moderate-to-severe medial compartment OA (KL grade 3-4 or equivalent) * Agreed to and preparing to receive a CSI of the knee as part of standard care from surgeon, regardless of past injection of the knee * Able to provide informed consent * Able to complete phone, email, or MyChart follow-ups in English Exclusion Criteria: * Predominant lateral compartment OA or patellofemoral-only OA * Inflammatory arthritis (RA, gout flare, etc.) * Suspected or confirmed joint infection or overlying cellulitis * Prior knee arthroplasty on the index knee * Planned surgery for index knee within 12-week follow-up * Inability to complete follow-up assessments * Other clinician-determined contraindication to CSI
Where it's running
-
Bolingbrook Clinic
Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Hyde Park Clinic
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
La Grange Clinic
La Grange, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Orland Park Clinic
Orland Park, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Woodridge Clinic
Woodridge, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sara JS Wallace, M.D./M.P.H. — The University of Chicago Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Malik J Scott, B.A.
- Email: mjscott1@uchicago.edu
- Phone: 773-834-3531
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.