Could a steroid injection after knee surgery cut opioid use?

NCT ID NCT07151417

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether adding a steroid to the standard pain injection during total knee replacement improves pain control and reduces the need for opioid painkillers. 240 adults undergoing knee replacement will be randomly assigned to receive either the standard injection, one with a traditional steroid, or one with a newer extended-release steroid. Researchers will track pain, opioid use, knee movement, and recovery for up to a year.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
methylprednisolone and triamcinolone acetonide extended-release (Zilretta)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point to a better way to manage pain after knee replacement, reducing opioid use and improving recovery.
What could go wrong
This is an early-to-mid-stage trial with 240 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Steroids can affect blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20889, United States

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact

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