Clinical Research Directory

Radiation to Treat Joint Damage Caused by Cancer Immunotherapy

This study will prospectively investigate the feasibility and safety of administering LDRT in patients with immunotherapy-induced inflammatory arthritis.

CACP: Study on Camptodactyly - Arthropathy - Coxa Vara - Pericarditis (CACP) Syndrome

CACP syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the triad of camptodactyly, non-inflammatory arthropathy with synovial hyperplasia, and coxa vara. Occasionally, non-inflammatory pericarditis and pleural effusion may also occur. This syndrome is likely underdiagnosed due to its rarity. Epidemiological information is limited to isolated case reports or small patient series, with the largest reported cohort including 35 patients. The genetic cause of CACP syndrome is associated with mutations in the PRG4 gene, located on chromosome 1q31.1. While clinical signs (camptodactyly, non-inflammatory arthropathy, and coxa vara) and radiological findings suggest the diagnosis, genetic testing confirms it by identifying pathogenic biallelic mutations in PRG4. To date, twenty-two mutations have been identified, all leading to premature stop codons and the absence of functional lubricin. However, the exact pathophysiology of CACP syndrome remains incompletely understood. Clinical manifestations of CACP syndrome can vary, even within the same family. The progressive and slow onset can initially present as an incomplete clinical picture. However, camptodactyly (85- 100%) and arthropathy (100%) are constant features. Although genetically homogeneous, CACP exhibits significant intra- and interfamilial phenotypic variability due to secondary genetic factors, environmental modifiers, and complex molecular mechanisms. Camptodactyly is symmetrical, with variable distribution. It may affect fingers or toes and can be congenital or develop during childhood. Arthropathy is symmetrical, primarily involving large joints (wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, and hips). Coxa vara is present in 50-90% of cases, is progressive, and tends to worsen with age. Spinal abnormalities such as lordosis, scoliosis, and kyphosis are possible, though the cervical spine is generally spared. The articular manifestations of CACP syndrome may mimic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and patients are often initially misdiagnosed and treated inappropriately. Joints appear swollen due to non-inflammatory synovial effusion and synovial thickening. They develop contractures, functional limitations, and sometimes musculoskeletal pain. Non-inflammatory pericarditis is reported in 30% of published cases, with variable clinical courses that may require surgical intervention in cases of constrictive pericarditis. The routine pathway of assessments and follow-up for patients with CACP syndrome includes an initial detailed evaluation and regular monitoring. Following the diagnosis, which is based on clinical history, imaging studies, and genetic confirmation of PRG4 mutations, patients undergo periodic clinical visits, generally scheduled every six months. During these visits, the progression of the disease, articular symptoms (e.g., camptodactyly, mobility limitations), and possible extraarticular complications, such as pericarditis, are assessed. Radiological (e.g., X-rays, MRI) and laboratory assessments, however, can be spaced out over longer intervals compared to the schedule of clinical visits, typically every 1-2 years, unless specific indications arise. Nonetheless, these examinations may be requested based on contingent clinical needs, such as a sudden worsening of symptoms or suspicion of complications. This flexible approach helps to balance thorough disease monitoring with minimizing the burden on patients, while ensuring personalized and timely management of the condition. At present, there is no specific pharmacological treatment for CACP. Management is primarily symptomatic and aimed at preventing joint deformities and extra-articular complications. Currently, no experimental therapies are available for CACP syndrome, but future research could explore gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and biologics. This study, involving pediatric and pediatric rheumatology centers across Italy and Europe, aims to collect epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data from a large cohort of patients. Its goals include better defining the disease's characteristics, understanding its natural history, and evaluating different therapeutic approaches and their efficacy. The study will also analyze potential genotypephenotype correlations.

Virtual Reality Therapy and Non-Sleep Deep Rest Relaxation After Joint Arthroplasty

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Virtual Reality therapy (VR therapy), Non-Sleep Deep Rest relaxation (NSDR relaxation) each delivered as an adjunct to standard postoperative rehabilitation, in older adults following hip or knee arthroplasty, focusing on reducing psychological stress and improving functional recovery.

Restoration Anatomic Acetabular Shell Revision Study

This study will be a non-randomized, ambidirectional (retrospective and prospective) study where all subjects will be followed prospectively. The study will evaluate the survivorship of the RAS acetabular component in a previously failed total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a consecutive series of subjects who meet the eligibility criteria.

The Medacta GMK SpheriKA Post-Marketing Surveillance Study

This is a Post-Marketing Surveillance of GMK SpheriKA knee stem prosthesis.

Ketorolac in Upper Extremity Tendinopathy and Arthropathy

Osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory conditions of the tendons and joints of the shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist are common yet disabling diseases. Standard management utilizes conservative measures to minimize pain and improve function. Conservative pharmacological management commonly includes corticosteroid and ketorolac injections which have been well investigated as a modality of pain control and improved function in large joint OA. However, fewer studies yielding mixed results on the duration of symptomatic relief exist for arthropathy and tendinopathy of these joints. The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of ketorolac and triamcinolone injections for common shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand tendinopathy or arthropathy. Participants will be blinded to the treatment received. The duration of an individual participant's participation in this study is 24 weeks. During this time period, patients will be asked to return to the clinic for an in-person follow-up 6 weeks after the injection with either ketorolac or triamcinolone) in order to assess participants' outcomes. All work related to this project will take place at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex, Emory Executive Park, Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, the Emory University Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital, and the Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital. This study will add to existing knowledge by providing further insight into how wrist arthropathy should be most optimally and conservatively managed.

Antigravity Treadmill After Joint Arthroplasty

The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of antigravity treadmill training and body weight-supported treadmill training in the rehabilitation of elderly patients (60-75 years) following hip or knee arthroplasty.

Embolization in Hereditary Coagulopathies

This is a longitudinal, prospective study, which will include 30 subjects with hereditary coagulopathies, with arthropathy, chronic synovitis resulting from hemarthrosis of the elbows, knees and/or ankles followed up at the Centro de Hemofilia HCFMUSP, after approval by the ethics and research committee. They will undergo imaging tests (X-rays and Magnetic Resonance of knee, elbow, or ankle), physical, pain, quality of life and functional assessments (Hemophilia Joint Health Score, Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia, Perimeter, Test Timed up and Go, 30 second sit and stand test, Haemophilia - Adult - Quality of Life questionnaire (HAEM-A-QoL), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, EQ-5D, numerical rating scale for pain and embolization procedure (superselective embolization of target arteries with spherical microparticles Embosphere 100-300 micrometers (Biosphere Medical, Roissy, France), until partial vascular stasis and decharacterization of pathological synovial enhancement. These evaluations will be performed at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months after the procedure.