Clinical Research Directory

Needle Arthroscopy vs Conventional Arthroscopy in Knees

This is a pilot randomized controlled trial will have 54 participants. The purpose of this study is to compare two surgical techniques to determine the differences in postoperative pain and early recovery in patients between 18-65 years old with simple knee pathologies including meniscal tear, chondral lesions, and loose bodies. Patient-reported outcomes and operative efficiency will be also compared. The two surgical techniques we are comparing are: 1. NanoScope™ Needle Arthroscopy for the affected knee 2. Conventional Arthroscopy for the affected knee Patients will be randomized pre-operatively but final eligibility will be confirmed intra-operatively. The study assessors and data analysts will be blinded to the treatment group via limited access to surgical records and post-operative imaging. If patients consent to participate they will be asked to come to research visits at baseline (pre-operatively), at 2-weeks, 6-weeks, and 3-month post-operatively to complete a set of questionnaires including a demographic form, SANE score, IKDC Subjective, and the EQ-5D VAS Pain, Pain and Medication Logbook will be completed from the day of surgery until day 14, and a Rehabilitation Log will assess "Return to Activity/Work". A clinical assessment will include: Range of motion, effusion, and joint line tenderness. A pre-operative X-ray and MRI will be collected as standard of care. Patients will be remunerated with a maximum of $160 if they come to all research visits.

Meniscal Repair Augmented With Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Prospective Comparative Clinical Study

This prospective, randomized, comparative clinical study will evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of meniscal repair augmented with intraoperative intralesional leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) compared with conventional meniscal repair without biological augmentation. A total of 62 participants aged 18 to 40 years undergoing meniscal repair will be assigned to either the LP-PRP group or the control group. Participants will be followed for 6 months after surgery. Clinical outcomes will include knee function assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), time to return to usual activities, and adverse events or complications. Assessments will be performed preoperatively and during postoperative follow-up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Arthroscopic Infrapatellar Fat Pad Release and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Mobilization

This prospective, single-center, paired-sample clinical laboratory study evaluated whether controlled mechanical release of the infrapatellar fat pad during knee arthroscopy increases the number of intra-articular cells with a mesenchymal stem cell immunophenotype. The study also evaluated whether the procedure is accompanied by immediate changes in the expression of selected genes associated with inflammation, immunomodulation, and tissue repair. Adults undergoing knee arthroscopy for meniscal pathology had a 20-mL intra-articular fluid sample collected before manipulation of any intra-articular structure. The infrapatellar fat pad was then gently and selectively shaved for approximately 1 minute using a motorized arthroscopic shaver with the suction turned off. A second 20-mL intra-articular fluid sample was collected immediately after the procedure and before further irrigation or continuation of the planned arthroscopic surgery. Paired pre-release and post-release samples were analyzed by flowcytometry to quantify cells with a mesenchymal stem cell immunophenotype. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed on the total cellular fraction to assess IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, and CD24 gene expression. Comparisons were performed within each participant using the paired samples.

A Nanoscopic Second Look Into the Knee Joint

The goal of this clinical trial is to look at how well different surgeries heal over time in patients that have previously undergone arthroscopic knee interventions. These procedures may include cartilage repair or grafting, meniscus repair or trimming, ligament reconstruction, cartilage smoothing, and treatments such as amniotic tissue or platelet rich plasma (PRP). Using a very small camera called a nanoarthroscope, doctors will take a "second look" inside the knee after surgery to see how it has healed. These findings will be compared to patient-reported outcomes, such as pain and function scores, as well as images taken during the original surgery. The goal is to determine whether this second look provides useful information that can help guide recovery and future care.

Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Meniscal Healing, Symptom Relief, and Knee Function

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) combined with home exercise improves healing and function in adults with meniscus tears. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does PEMF therapy help heal meniscus tears, as seen on MRI scans? 2. Does PEMF therapy subjectively reduce knee pain, improve movement, and enhance quality of life? 3. Does PEMF therapy objectively help patients perform daily activities more easily? Researchers will compare PEMF therapy against a sham (inactive) treatment to determine if it provides additional benefits. Participants will: * Be assigned randomly to either the PEMF group (active treatment) or the sham PEMF group (inactive, but identical in appearance) * Receive either real PEMF therapy or sham treatment twice a week for 8 weeks (each session lasts 10 minutes). * Follow a standard home exercise program to strengthen their knees. * Have their knee function, pain levels, and healing progress checked through MRI scans, questionnaires, imaging and physical tests. * Return for 3 follow-up visits after the 8-week treatment period.

The Clinical Study of Bone-patellar Tendon-bone and Quasi-anatomical Meniscus Allograft Transplantation Technique

This clinical study investigates the outcomes of bone-patellar tendon-bone and quasi-anatomical meniscus allograft transplantation techniques in patients requiring joint reconstruction. The study aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and functional improvements following these transplant procedures, utilizing donor tissues to restore joint function and alleviate pain in individuals with severe knee damage. Participants will undergo the transplantation procedure and be monitored for post-operative recovery, complications, and long-term outcomes, including joint stability and mobility. The study seeks to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of these advanced surgical techniques for knee joint repair.