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

Last updated: October 5, 2025
Sponsor: F. Johannes Plate
Overall Status: Active - Not Recruiting

Phase

4

Condition

Knee Injuries

Osteoarthritis

Treatment

Methylprednisolone 4 milligram Tab

Dexamethasone injection

Clinical Study ID

NCT06489626
STUDY24010173
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Pain control and early range of motion following total knee arthroplasty are essential for patient satisfaction. Intraoperative steroids (dexamethasone) have been shown to have a significant effect in controlling acute pain following total knee arthroplasty. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a post-operative steroid (methylprednisolone) taper in improving functional and patient-reported outcomes following total knee arthroplasty. A taper means taking a high dose of a medication followed by taking lower doses and each following day until the medication is stopped.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients indicated for primary total knee arthroplasty.

  • Access to computer or smartphone for completion of REDCap surveys

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients less than 18 years of age, patients unable to consent, known diabeticpatients and those with an HgbA1c >6.5 preoperatively, patients who are on chronicsteroid treatments, patients with chronic pain on opioid management, patients withallergies to steroids, patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease, patientswith a history of heart failure and patients with a history of renal and/or hepaticfailure will be excluded. Those that are immunosuppressed as well as pregnant and/orlactating will also be excluded.

Study Design

Total Participants: 100
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Methylprednisolone 4 milligram Tab
Phase: 4
Study Start date:
November 01, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
December 01, 2027

Connect with a study center

  • UPMC East

    Monroeville, Pennsylvania 15146
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • UPMC Shadyside Hospital

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • UPMC East

    Monroeville 5201734, Pennsylvania 6254927 15146
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • UPMC Shadyside Hospital

    Pittsburgh 5206379, Pennsylvania 6254927 15232
    United States

    Site Not Available

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