Could a short steroid course ease pain after knee surgery?

NCT ID NCT05097976

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Rush University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether a short course of the steroid methylprednisolone, taken as pills after knee replacement surgery, can reduce pain, opioid use, and nausea. About 420 adults having knee replacement for osteoarthritis will receive either the steroid or a placebo. The goal is to see if this simple addition to standard pain management improves recovery in the first week and beyond.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: methylprednisolone (a steroid anti-inflammatory drug)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple way to improve recovery and reduce opioid use after knee replacement surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a phase 4 trial, but steroids have known risks like infection or blood sugar changes. The benefit may be small or not apply to all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, knee Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Rush Oak Brook Outpatient Center
RECRUITING

Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523, United States

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