Shockwave Therapy for Individuals with Knee Arthritis

People with knee pain due to arthritis often have damage to a portion of the bone that contains blood vessels, called bone marrow. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy for bone marrow damage in people with knee arthritis. The shockwave therapy device generates high pressure and short duration sound waves that interact with different tissues in the body. It does not produce electrical shocks.

Actively Recruiting
Yes
Duration

This study will last about 12 months with a total of 9 visits consisting of:

  • A screening visit (1-2 hours)
  • Four treatment visits (approximately 30 minutes each)
  • Three additional visits for MRIs at the beginning, middle, and end of the study (approximately 45-60 minutes each)
  • One follow-up visit, 6 months after treatment
  • Additional follow-up throughout the study will be done using online questionnaires at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 12 months after treatment (Each survey takes approximately 30 minutes)
Inclusion Criteria
  • 30-80 years of age
  • Diagnosed with degenerative knee arthritis (osteoarthritis) with evidence on x-rays
  • Have knee pain for more than 2 months despite completing at least 4 weeks of usual treatment including rest, pain-relieving medications, limited weight-bearing with or without an assistive device like crutches
  • Average knee pain the week leading up to screening is at least a 4 out of 10 on an 11-point numerical rating scale (0, "no pain"; 10, "worst pain imaginable")
  • Knee MRI shows evidence of a subchondral bone marrow damage
  • Knee pain is confined to the same area showing subchondral bone marrow abnormality on MRI

 

Exclusion Criteria
  • Damage to the bone marrow inside the knee related to previous trauma or injury
  • Have received previous treatments for bone marrow damage, such as injections of substances intended to promote healing of the knee
  • Knee pain and loss of function was caused by something other than damage to bone marrow
  • Have bone marrow damage in both knees
  • Taking medications that might alter bone formation or absorption
  • Received injection of steroids inside knee joint in the past 3 months
  • Had previous surgery in the painful knee
  • Have any benign or malignant tumors, infection, or fracture in the same leg knee pain
  • Is pregnant
Compensation

Up to $300

IRB Number:

R-1191-22

Research Coordinator