Using Medrol Dosepak to manage pain after knee surgery
Official title: An Oral Methylprednisolone Taper Within a Multimodal Analgesic Regimen After Total Knee Arthroplasty: a Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Run by Rush University Medical Center · NCT05097976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a medication called Medrol can help people feel less pain and recover better after knee surgery compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 420 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rush University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oak Brook, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05097976 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic corticosteroid or opioid use, or those with certain medical conditions such as infections or severe comorbidities, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an oral taper of methylprednisolone in managing acute postoperative pain and improving function following outpatient total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Starting on the first day after surgery, patients will receive either methylprednisolone or a placebo to assess its impact on pain levels, opioid consumption, nausea, and complications during the first week of recovery. The study aims to demonstrate that those receiving methylprednisolone will experience less pain and better functional outcomes at three and six weeks post-surgery compared to those on placebo.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and opioid use for patients undergoing knee surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that corticosteroids can effectively reduce postoperative pain, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Any patient undergoing primary TKA with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis •≥ 18 years old * Willingness to undergo randomization Exclusion Criteria: * Reported chronic corticosteroid or opiate use * Suspected or confirmed periprosthetic joint infection * Revision TKA * Primary diagnosis other than osteoarthritis, including avascular necrosis, fracture, or post-traumatic arthritis * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 4 * Reported history of liver disease, renal disease, or diabetes mellitus * Current systemic fungal infection or other local infection * Immunocompromised or immunosuppressed * Current peptic ulcer disease * History of hypothyroidism, psychosis, heart failure, myasthenia gravis, ocular herpes simplex virus, or systemic sclerosis * Women with reported current pregnancy * Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone •≤ 18 years old * Inability to take oral medications * Unable to provide consent
Where it's running
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Rush Oak Brook Outpatient Center
Oak Brook, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Craig Della Valle, MD — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Anne DeBenedetti
- Email: anne.debenedetti@rushortho.com
- Phone: 3124322468
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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.