The SCUlpTOR study
We are conducting a 24-month study in Sydney and Hobart for people with knee osteoarthritis. The SCUlpTOR study - investigating the efficacy of intra-articular stem cell injections compared with a placebo.
If you qualify for the study, you will have a 50% chance of being allocated into the active or placebo group. You will not know which group you are in until the end of the study.
- Active group: you will receive one stem cell injection at baseline, week-3 and 12-months.
- Placebo group: you will receive one saline injection at baseline, week-3 and 12-months.
Eligibility
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
- Are aged 40 years or older and living in Australia (and have a Medicare number)
- Have knee OA and moderate pain assessed by the visual analogue pain intensity scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain possible)
- Have internet access and an active email account
- Are willing to stop or maintain the same knee OA treatments (e.g. supplements, physiotherapy) for the duration of the study
- Are willing to stop or minimise the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Aspirin, Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Mobic, Voltaren, etc.) and other analgesics (e.g. opioids), except for paracetamol (only for rescue pain relief) for the duration of the study. This includes stopping all pain medications for one week before each study assessment.
- Are able to speak and read English sufficiently to understand study procedures, complete questionnaires and provide informed consent.
- Are willing and able to travel for the study visits.
How to participate
If you are interested in assisting with this important and exciting area of research, please complete this online screening survey.
