The Effect of a Methylprednisolone Taper on Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Launched by F. JOHANNES PLATE · Jun 28, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how a medication called methylprednisolone, taken after knee surgery, can help improve pain management and recovery for patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty (knee replacement surgery). The study will specifically look at how gradually reducing the dose of this steroid can impact patients' ability to move and their overall satisfaction after surgery. This tapering method involves starting with a higher dose of the medication and then lowering it over time until it is completely stopped.

To participate in this trial, patients need to be between 65 and 74 years old and scheduled for their first total knee replacement surgery. They should also have access to a computer or smartphone to complete online surveys about their recovery. However, certain individuals will not be eligible, including those under 18, those with specific health conditions like diabetes or chronic pain management, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Overall, this study aims to find ways to enhance recovery experiences for knee surgery patients through better pain control.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients indicated for primary total knee arthroplasty.
• • Access to computer or smartphone for completion of REDCap surveys
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients less than 18 years of age, patients unable to consent, known diabetic patients and those with an HgbA1c \>6.5 preoperatively, patients who are on chronic steroid treatments, patients with chronic pain on opioid management, patients with allergies to steroids, patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease, patients with a history of heart failure and patients with a history of renal and/or hepatic failure will be excluded. Those that are immunosuppressed as well as pregnant and/or lactating will also be excluded.