Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Exploring Factors Linked to Worsening Over Time in People With Early-stage Knee Osteoarthritis and Those With Prior Proven Acute Knee Injury.

This study aims to understand why knee osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the knee joint) gets worse for some people and not for others, especially those in the early stages or who've had a bad knee injury. We hope to find 'markers' in blood, knee fluid, or saliva, or even genetic clues, that predict how the knee might change. We'll also ask about pain and activity and look at X-rays. The goal is to help doctors predict and treat knee problems earlier, so people can avoid more advanced issues. It’s an observational study, meaning no new treatments are given.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2031

Knee Osteoarthritis

What is this study about?

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition where the cartilage in your knee joint wears down over time, causing pain and stiffness. For some people, this condition can start early, or develop after a serious knee injury. The problem is, it's really hard to predict who will get worse, who will stay the same, or whose symptoms might even improve. Because doctors often have to wait until the condition is quite advanced before they can offer significant treatments, we need to understand it better earlier on.

This study is trying to change that. We want to find specific clues – like things in your blood or fluid from your knee joint, or even certain genetic factors – that could tell us if your knee osteoarthritis is likely to get worse, or if it might get better. We're also collecting information on your pain, how well your knee works, and your activity levels over several years to see how these change.

By gathering all this information, we hope to unlock some of the mysteries of early knee osteoarthritis. Our aim is to help doctors understand the condition much sooner, allowing them to predict what might happen and potentially offer treatments earlier. This could mean better care and fewer advanced problems for people in the future.

Key takeaways

Study aims to understand why early knee arthritis or injured knees get worse.
We are looking for clues in blood, knee fluid, saliva, and genetic factors.
No new treatments are given; it's an 'observational' study.
Participation involves samples, questionnaires, and potentially an X-ray.
Helps doctors predict knee problems earlier for better future care.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your NHS care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged 18 or over. You might be suitable if you have early signs of knee osteoarthritis, or if you have a painful cartilage tear (meniscus tear) in your knee. We're also interested if you're 45 or older, have knee pain when you're active, and don't have long-lasting morning stiffness, even if X-rays don't clearly show arthritis yet.

Crucially, we're also inviting people aged 50 or younger who have had a clear, significant knee injury in the past, which was confirmed by scans or surgery.

It's important that you can understand information in English and are willing to provide a blood, saliva, or knee fluid sample, and fill out questionnaires about your knee. You wouldn't be able to join if you have very advanced knee arthritis, have already had knee replacement surgery, or have other serious knee problems like an infection or tumour.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 or older?
Do you have early knee arthritis or a painful cartilage tear?
Or, are you 45+ with activity-related knee pain (and not long morning stiffness)?
Or, are you 50 or younger and had a serious knee injury confirmed by scans/surgery?
Are you willing to provide a blood, saliva, or knee fluid sample?
Can you complete questionnaires in English about your knee?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll join the study for up to 2-3 years, with follow-up continuing for up to 5 years. Here’s what it involves:

1. **Samples**: We’ll collect a sample of your blood, saliva (spit), or fluid from your knee. This will happen during a routine NHS appointment if you're already having a knee operation or fluid drained from your knee. If you join remotely, we'll ask for a saliva sample. 2. **Questionnaires**: You'll complete questionnaires at the start (baseline) and then yearly for up to 5 years. These ask about your knee pain, how well it works, and your activity levels. Later on, we'll also ask if you've had any knee surgery. 3. **X-rays**: If you've had a recent knee X-ray as part of your usual care, we'll use that. Otherwise, we might ask you to have one X-ray appointment during the study, around year 2 or 3.

There are no new medicines or treatments involved in this study; we are simply observing and collecting information.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is helping doctors learn more about knee osteoarthritis and serious knee injuries. This research could lead to better ways to predict and treat these conditions in the future. As this is an observational study, there are no direct medical benefits to you personally, and no new treatments will be given. Potential risks are generally small, mainly from giving blood or knee fluid samples (like slight bruising or discomfort). You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual NHS care.

Locations (1)

Centre for Inflammatory Disease, 9th Floor, Commonwealth Building, Imperial College London, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is knee osteoarthritis?

It's when the cushioning cartilage in your knee wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling. It's often called 'wear and tear' arthritis.

Will I get any new treatments in this study?

No, this is an 'observational' study. We are just collecting information and samples; you won't receive any new medicines or treatments.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be part of the study for 2-3 years, and we'll continue to follow up on your progress for up to 5 years in total.

What kind of samples do you need?

We might ask for a blood sample, a saliva sample, or fluid from your knee joint. We’ll try to get these during your normal NHS appointments if possible.

What if I change my mind about taking part?

You can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular NHS medical care.

How to find out more

Fiona Watt

f.watt@imperial.ac.uk +44 07858 367326 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.