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Clinical Importance of Occult Suprapatellar Effusion in Knee Osteoarthritis
Sponsor: Mardin Artuklu University
Summary
Small amounts of fluid in the knee joint may not always be visible during a standard ultrasound examination performed while the leg is relaxed. When the quadriceps muscle contracts, this fluid may move into the area above the kneecap and become visible. This finding is referred to in this study as occult suprapatellar effusion. The aim of this study is to determine whether occult suprapatellar effusion is associated with knee pain and physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Participants will undergo ultrasound examination first at rest and then during quadriceps contraction. Based on these findings, they will be classified as having effusion visible at rest, occult effusion visible only during muscle contraction, or no effusion in either condition. Knee pain, self-reported symptoms and function, and chair stand performance will be compared among these groups. The study will also examine whether greater effusion depth is associated with more severe pain, greater functional limitation, and poorer physical performance. No treatment will be assigned as part of the study.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
40 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
105
Start Date
2026-11-30
Completion Date
2027-05-31
Last Updated
2026-10-15
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Static and Dynamic Suprapatellar Ultrasonography
The suprapatellar recess will be examined by ultrasound with the participant resting in the supine position and the knee extended. The examination will first be performed at rest and then repeated during voluntary quadriceps contraction while the probe position is maintained. The presence of effusion and its maximum anteroposterior depth in millimeters will be recorded under both conditions. This assessment is used only to classify ultrasound findings and does not involve treatment.
Locations (1)
Mardin Training and Research Hospital
Mardin, Turkey (Türkiye)