Effect of Methylprednisolone on Quadriceps Muscle Function in Patients Undergoing Total Knee-arthroplasty

The anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids are well known. The beneficial effects in postoperative pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting are well-documented.

Knee-arthroplasty surgery and the inflammatory stress response in general affect the potential of recovery. The quadriceps muscle strength is shown to be reduced significantly (80%) early after surgery. The mechanism is thought related to inhibitory reflexes and pain caused by surgical induced inflammation around the knee joint. The effect of glucocorticoids on the quadriceps muscle function after knee-arthroplasty surgery is unknown and calls for further investigation.

The study is to be considered as explorative.

The primary analysis of the primary outcome measure is a comparison of the changes in knee extension strength from baseline to 48 hours postoperatively between the two groups.

For calculation of sample size the average loss of strength from baseline (before surgery) to 48 hours after TKA-surgery being 0.8 Nm/kg body weight (SD=0.39, Holm et al. 2010), a risk of type I errors 5% and a risk of type II errors 20% (80% power) were used. The sample size is estimated to reveal a group difference in knee extension strength of minimum 40%.

The primary analysis is carried out on all included patients (intention-to-treat) with baseline values as covariate. Secondary exploratory per-protocol analysis might be performed. Missing outcomes will be analysed using multiple imputation due to expected strong time trends.

The secondary outcome measures; a group difference of 6 sec. (Timed Up & Go) and 2 cm (knee circumference) are considered clinically relevant. The statistical power is based on the calculation outlined above using the same test prerequisites.

For further details please also view the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT) registration:

EudraCT nr.: 2014-003395-23

Inclusion criteria

• Osteoarthrosis
• Undergoing total unilateral knee-arthroplasty surgery
• Speak and understand Danish
• Have given informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Revision, bilateral or uni chamber knee-arthroplasty surgery
• General anaesthesia
• Allergy or intolerance towards Methylprednisolone
• Local or systemic infection
• Permanent systemic treatment with steroids within 30 days preoperatively
• Insulin-dependent diabetes
• Active treatment of ulcer within 3 months preoperatively
• Cancer disease
• Autoimmune disease incl. rheumatoid arthritis
• Pregnant or breast feeding women
• Menopause <1 year