Study to Prevent Cartilage Damage Following Acute Knee Injury.
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2007-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Individuals who have had a severe knee injury have an increased risk of developing arthritis
of the knee and at a much earlier age than would otherwise be expected. The swelling and
inflammation that occur after injury are believed to be responsible for this cartilage
damage. The cartilage (material that provides a cushion in the knee) is the primary
protection from what is called degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis. We hope to reduce
this swelling and prevent the damage to cartilage that occurs after injury by injecting a
medication that blocks one of the proteins responsible for inflammation and cartilage
breakdown. This protein is called interleukin-1 and can be inhibited by an interleukin-1
receptor antagonist called anakinra. Anakinra will be injected directly into the injured knee
and response to the injection will be measured by symptoms and analysis of cartilage
breakdown in the knee fluid and blood.