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Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Post-Traumatic Knee Osteoarthritis

This study is looking into how extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) affects pain, movement, and overall knee health in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) that developed after an ACL injury. You might be able to join if you are between 18 and 55 years old, had ACL reconstruction surgery at least one year ago, and have been diagnosed with post-traumatic knee OA. Researchers will compare ESWT to a sham (inactive) treatment to see if ESWT can improve your pain, how well your knee works, and your quality of life. The study aims to enroll 70 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) to a sham treatment, with a planned enrollment of 70 participants.
What's involved
Participants will receive either ESWT or sham ESWT treatment, and will review an exercise program. The study will measure outcomes from baseline to 4-month follow-up, with an intermediate measure at 8 weeks.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 4 months after treatment, with an intermediate check-up at 8 weeks.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06686680

Treatment of Post Traumatic Knee Osteoarthritis With Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

Recruiting
NAAges 18–55InterventionalTreatment
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
~70 participants
Updated 2025-12-04 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)Sham Comparator

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)
Measured over From baseline to 4-month follow up with intermediate measure at 8 weeks

Conditions

Knee Osteoarthristis
ACL Injuries
Post-Traumatic

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NCT06686680

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Spaulding Cambridge Hospital

    Cambridge, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Who to contact

Adam S Tenforde, MD
[email protected]
(617) 952-6800
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Previous ACL reconstruction using an autograft or allograft in the knee with PTOA
Minimum of one year following ACL reconstruction surgery
Between ages of 18 and 55
No clear contraindication to complete protocol including mechanical symptoms which would limit ability to complete the study
Score on KOOS for 2 of 4 domains (pain, symptoms, activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life (QOL)) of 85 or lower
Primary pain is coming from the knee
Diagnosis of PTOA based on clinical diagnosis and confirmation with radiographic evidence by a medical professional prior to study enrollment. If individuals have suspected OA based on impairments such as pain, they must have a score on KOOS for 2 of 4 domains (pain, symptoms, activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life (QOL)) of 85 or lower to participate in the study.

Exclusion

Have previously received injections to the knee joint within the past 3 months
Women who are pregnant or those who are planning to become pregnant. This is due to the fact that pregnancy will reduce participants activity after the treatment and the safety concerns related to shockwave treatment. - Participants with neuropathy affecting sensation to pain
Participants with a known underlying cardiac disease that could be affected by shockwave therapy
Neuropathy diagnosis that can affect response to pain
No active use of oral steroids or anti-inflammatories at the time of enrollment
Have bilateral ACL injury or reconstruction surgery, or have had ACL revision surgery
No active malignancy and at least five years in remission
Previous ESWT treatment using study treatment devices for management of knee osteoarthritis
Have a pacemaker, bone screws, or any other metal implants that would prohibit participation in an MRI scan or EWST
Non-English speaking individuals

What this trial measures

  • Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)From baseline to 4-month follow up with intermediate measure at 8 weeks

    The KOOS is is a 42-item survey with 5 subscales designed to measure patient health, symptoms, and functionality of the knee. It is scored from 0-100, with higher score correlated with better function.