CompletedNot Applicable

Implantation of Gold Beads to Relieve Discomfort From Knee Osteoarthritis

Denmark43 participantsStarted 1997-03

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether implanting gold beads extraarticularly in five acupuncture-points around a knee improves pain, stiffness and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-80 years * Clinically diagnosed and radiologically verified knee osteoarthritis (OA) * Pain and stiffness derived from OA lasting for more than one year Exclusion Criteria: * Previous knee trauma (OA following previous meniscectomy is included) * Other rheumatologic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia * Pronounced hip OA * Severe somatic or mental illnesses * Dementia * Alcohol or drug abuse * Pregnancy * Anticoagulant treatment * Corticosteroid treatment during the last 3 months * Allergy to chlorhexidine or local anaesthetics

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain from the knee osteoarthritis is evaluated by the patient with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

Timeframe: 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

Stiffness is evaluated with the WOMAC questionnaire.

Timeframe: 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

Function is evaluated with the WOMAC questionnaire.

Timeframe: 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

The same orthopaedic surgeon assesses the patients knee score using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System.

Timeframe: 0, 6, and 12 months

The same orthopaedic surgeon assesses the patients function score using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System.

Timeframe: 0, 6, and 12 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00487370

SponsorResearch Unit Of General Practice, Copenhagen

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Osteoarthritis, Knee trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Pain from the knee osteoarthritis is evaluated by the patient with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

Timeframe: 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

Stiffness is evaluated with the WOMAC questionnaire.

Timeframe: 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

Function is evaluated with the WOMAC questionnaire.

Timeframe: 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

The same orthopaedic surgeon assesses the patients knee score using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System.

Timeframe: 0, 6, and 12 months

The same orthopaedic surgeon assesses the patients function score using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System.

Timeframe: 0, 6, and 12 months