Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for meniscal tears in adults

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

Adults aged 18-60 with a confirmed non-displaced, unilateral meniscal tear are randomized to receive either active PEMF therapy or a sham device, twice weekly for 8 weeks, alongside a standard home exercise program. Each PEMF session lasts 10 minutes, and MRI and clinical assessments track healing, pain, function, and quality of life. The study uses a sham-controlled design to determine if PEMF provides additional benefit beyond exercise and placebo. Outcomes include imaging evidence of healing, patient-reported symptoms, and objective function measures over the treatment period. Conducted at a Hong Kong institution led by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, it aims to clarify PEMF’s potential role in meniscal care.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female patients aged 18-60
* Clinical history, signs, and symptoms indicative of a meniscal tear
* MRI confirmation of a non-displaced, and unilateral meniscal tear
* Willingness to adhere to a 8-week regimen of PEMF and exercise therapy
* Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Congenital discoid meniscus confirmed by MRI
* Meniscal root tears confirmed by MRI
* Presence of mechanical symptoms (e.g., locking or catching)
* Acute onset exacerbation of knee symptoms (e.g., severe pain or swelling)
* Surgical intervention during the therapy session
* Knee axis deformities that necessitate surgical correction
* Prior surgery or fracture in the affected limb within the past 12 months
* Severe radiographic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence scale ≥3)
* Implanted electronic medical devices (e.g., pacemakers or cochlear implants) • Current pregnancy or intention to become pregnant during the study period

Where it's running

• Room 124007, 10/F, Lui Chi Woo Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: May Wong
• Email: wingkimaywong@cuhk.edu.hk
• Phone: (852)26364171

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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.