RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07481461

Altered Joint Mechanics and Biological Response in Osteoarthritic Knees.

Altered Joint Mechanics and Biological Response in Osteoarthritic Knees. A Study in Patients Undergoing Corrective Treatment for Knee Misalignment.

Sponsor

Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

May 12, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Knee osteoarthritis (OA)

Summary

Osteoarthritis (OA) stands out as the most prevalent joint disease. It manifests as a progressive degradation of articular cartilage, new bone growth and often synovial tissue proliferation, resulting in pain and compromised joint functionality, ultimately leading to disability. Misalignment of the lower limb (varus or valgus knees) are recognised as a risk factor for osteoarthritis onset and progression. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical technique that allows to shift the load from the affected area to other areas with intact cartilage. Similarly to HTO, braces realign the lower limb, without the need for surgical intervention. These corrective treatments are recommended for the youngest group of patients as it allows them to stay active, as opposed to Total Knee Replacement (TKR). Until today, the effects of braces and HTO on the subchondral bone microstructure and cartilage are not well understood. Investigating these aspects to better understand treatment failures is becoming more and more crucial because global prevalence of knee OA is expected to increase with the ageing of populations.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying Gait analysis, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scanning), and others for people with knee osteoarthritis (oa). The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years and older.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTPhoton counting CT scanning (PCCT scanning)

Photon Counting CT (PCCT) is a novel imaging technique that allows for in vivo high-resolution imaging of the bone microstructure. It has a large field of view and short scanning time compared to the current gold standard for bone microstructural quantification, High Resolution-peripheral CT (HR-pQCT). PCCT scans are performed at pre-treatment visit, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months post-treatment.

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI scanning)

Cartilage is typically imaged with MRI for its high content of water. Different MRI sequences allow to quantify anatomical aspects such as cartilage volume and thickness, but also its contents (proteoglycans and collagen). MRI scans are performed at pre-treatment visit, 12 months and 24 months post-treatment.

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTGait analysis

The load shift after limb realignment will also be measured. Gait analysis (combined with musculoskeletal modelling) will be used to measure joint contact forces and knee joint geometry will be derived from the PCCT and MRI scans. Forces and geometry will be given as input to a Finite Element (FE) model of the knee joint, computing stresses and strains distribution on bone and cartilage. The gait analysis will be performed pre-treatment and 12 months post-treatment.