Using needle arthroscopy to diagnose knee osteoarthritis
A Prospective Pilot Study Comparing Diagnostic Knee Needle Arthroscopy (NA) With Standard Weight Bearing Knee Radiographic in Predicting Unicompartmental Knee Osteoarthritis Prior to Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
This study is testing if a small camera can help doctors better diagnose knee osteoarthritis in patients who are already set to have knee surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Albany Medical College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Albany, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05002387 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of needle arthroscopy using a 1.9mm nano-arthroscope for diagnosing unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA) in patients scheduled for knee arthroplasty. It includes two groups: those with clear indications for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) based on standard radiographs and those with ambiguous results. The procedure aims to provide direct visualization of knee cartilage without the need for general anesthesia, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. Patients will undergo this minimally invasive procedure prior to their scheduled surgery to confirm the diagnosis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 89 who are being evaluated for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and have inconclusive radiographic findings.
Not a fit: Patients with existing tricompartmental osteoarthritis or significant knee deformities will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment decisions for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of needle arthroscopy is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in improving diagnostic accuracy for knee conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English fluency and literacy * Able to provide informed consent * Males or females, \> 18 years of age and \< 89 * Indicated for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty based on a series of existing weight bearing knee plain radiographs * Have equivocal weight bearing knee radiographs, in which the indication for UKA vs. TKA is not clear * Meet the following criteria: no inflammatory arthritis, intact Anterior cruciate ligament, no fixed varus deformity \> 10 degrees, no fixed valgus deformity \> 5 degrees, knee range of motion \> 90 degrees, no patellofemoral arthritis Exclusion Criteria: * Males or females \< 18 years of age and \>89 * Prisoners * Patient who have existing radiographic evidence of tricompartmental OA * Patients with inflammatory arthritis, anterior cruciate ligament deficiency, fixed varus deformity \> 10 degrees, fixed valgus deformity \> 5 degrees, knee range of motion \< 90 degrees, patellofemoral arthritis
Where this trial is running
Albany, New York
- Albany Medical Center — Albany, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph P Zimmerman, MD — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Andrew D Posner, MD
- Email: posnera@amc.edu
- Phone: 518-453-3079
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.