Can a steroid help your new knee bend better?

NCT ID NCT04082533

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether the steroid hydrocortisone can improve knee movement after total knee replacement. About 132 patients, some with naturally stiff knees, will receive either the drug or a placebo right after surgery. Researchers will measure how well the knee bends and straightens at 6 weeks, and follow up for 2 years.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

hydrocortisone

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple way to reduce stiffness and improve knee movement after replacement surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial. The drug may not improve range of motion more than placebo, and results may not apply to all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, knee Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hospital for Special Surgery

    New York, New York, 10021, United States