Actively Recruiting
Bone Marrow Aspirate Injections in Knee Arthroscopy: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Trial
Led by Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · Updated on 2026-04-27
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether adding bone marrow aspirate (BMA) injections during knee arthroscopy surgery can improve outcomes for patients with meniscal injuries, cartilage defects, or early osteoarthritis of the knee. This randomized, single-blind trial will enroll 50 adults aged 18 to 64 who need knee arthroscopy. The study aims to fill gaps in current knowledge about BMA's effects on patient-reported outcomes and to compare key laboratory counts between BMA and previously reported bone marrow concentrate products. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one will receive standard arthroscopic debridement surgery with a saline injection, and the other will receive the same surgery plus an injection of about 4mL of bone marrow aspirate taken from the hip bone during surgery. A small portion of the aspirate will be sent for laboratory testing. The study will not evaluate bone marrow concentrate but focus on BMA alone. Patients will be followed for 12 months after surgery, completing questionnaires about pain, daily activities, and knee function at baseline, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Researchers will collect multiple self-reported scores and one objective walking and stair climbing test. The main outcome measured will be the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 12 months. This comprehensive follow-up aims to assess how adding BMA affects recovery and knee function over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Impact of Bone-Marrow Aspirate Injections in Knee Arthroscopy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Require primary knee arthroscopy for meniscal injury or focal cartilage defect
- Have Kellgren-Lawrence grade 0 arthritis
- Have Outerbridge cartilage grade 2 or lower
- Aged 18 to 64 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Previous surgery on the same knee
- Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or higher arthritis
- Use of other orthopedic biologics within 3 months before surgery
- Presence of ligament deficiencies
- Need for meniscal repair
- Need for osteotomy or other realignment surgery
- Use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) within last 3 months
- History of anemia, bleeding disorders, or inflammatory joint diseases
- History of metabolic bone diseases
- Current pregnancy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Day of surgery plus immediate recovery
Participants undergo arthroscopic debridement surgery of the knee, with some receiving an additional bone marrow aspirate (BMA) injection during the procedure.
1 surgery visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 months
Participants are followed up to assess recovery and outcomes using self-reported scores and objective tests over 12 months.
Visits at baseline, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York, United States, 10021
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Akshay K Raghuram
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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