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Home › Conditions › Arthritis

Arthritis

Subtypes of Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis 86 Knee Osteoarthritis 23 Osteoarthritis 23 Gout 9 Sjogren's Syndrome 9 Ankylosing Spondylitis 7 Axial spondyloarthritis 5 Hip Osteoarthritis 3 Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis 2 Adult-Onset Still's Disease 1 Enthesitis-related arthritis 1 Spondyloarthritis 1 Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis 1 Charcot shoulder arthropathy 0 Ochronotic arthropathy 0

146 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Arthritis

48 trials tracked for Arthritis: 10 in phase 3 or 4 and 3 with published results. The most-cited published study has 148 citations.

48Trials tracked
10Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
3With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 3 Phase 3 7 Phase 2 7 Phase 1 2 Other / NA 29
  1. Phase 3 Tanezumab in Osteoarthritis of the Knee Completed · 148 cited
  2. Phase 3 Tanezumab in Osteoarthritis Of The Hip Completed · 148 cited
  3. Phase 3 Tanezumab In Osteoarthritis Of The Knee (2) Completed · 86 cited
  4. Phase 4 Evaluation Exparel Delivered in Knee Replacement Completed
  5. Phase 4 Desflurane or Propofol Anesthesia in Elderly Obese Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement Completed
  6. Phase 4 Prospective Evaluation of Vitagel for Reduction in Blood Loss and Pain Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty Completed
Show 42 more trials
  1. Phase 3 Impact of TheraWorx Foam on Symptom Relief in Thumb Arthritis Completed
  2. Phase 3 Switching Drug Therapy for the Prevention of Blood Clot Formation From Enoxaparin to Rivaroxaban After Orthopedic Surgery for Either Total Hip or Total Knee Replacement Completed
  3. Phase 3 Golimumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis Participants With an Inadequate Response to Etanercept (ENBREL) or Adalimumab (HUMIRA) Completed
  4. Phase 3 A Study to Compare the Frequency of Constipation Symptoms With Tapentadol Immediate Release (IR) Treatment Versus Oxycodone IR Treatment in Patients With End-stage Joint Disease Completed
  5. Phase 2 OHI--Randomized Control Trial to Evaluate Efficacy, Acceptability, and Perception of Benefit of an Innovative Custom AFO Completed
  6. Phase 2 Biomarker-Linked Outcomes of Cellcept in Lupus Arthritis Completed
  7. Phase 2 Sustained Acoustic Medicine (SAM) for Symptomatic Treatment of Knee Pain Related to Osteoarthritis Completed
  8. Phase 2 A Study Evaluating Pain Relief and Safety of Orally Administered CR845 in Patients With Osteoarthritis of Hip or Knee Completed
  9. Phase 2 Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of LEVI-04 in Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Knee Completed
  10. Phase 2 Safety and Effectiveness of Live Zoster Vaccine in Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Users (VERVE Trial) Completed
  11. Phase 2 Open-label Extension Study Of RN624 Completed
  12. Phase 1 Sustained Acoustic Medicine (SAM) Combined With a Diclofenac Ultrasound Coupling Patch for Knee Osteoarthritis Completed
  13. Phase 1 Aquatic Exercise and Efficacy Enhancement to Decrease Fall Risk in Older Adults With Hip Osteoarthritis Completed
  14. N/A A Multi-center Outcomes Clinical Study of the PyroTITAN™ HRA Shoulder Implant in Humeral Head Resurfacing Completed
  15. N/A Rehabilitation in Primary Care: A Project to Maximize the Health Status of Adults With Chronic Illness Completed
  16. N/A Augment® Injectable Bone Graft Compared to Autologous Bone Graft as a Bone Regeneration Device in Hindfoot Fusions Completed
  17. N/A Preventing Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis With Physical Activity Promotion Completed
  18. N/A Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) High Dose Special Investigation (Regulatory Post Marketing Commitment Plan) Completed
  19. N/A Marathon and Enduron Polyethylene at Long-Term Follow-up Completed
  20. N/A Advancing Understanding of Transportation Options Completed
  21. N/A Comparison of ARPE Prosthesis With the Literature Completed
  22. N/A 3D MR Versus 3D CT for Glenohumeral Arthritis Completed
  23. N/A A Prospective Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Haemostatic Agent in Primary Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty Completed
  24. N/A Can Mental Health Chatbots Help Chronic Disease Populations? Completed
  25. N/A Mechanisms of Action of Acetaminophen Completed
  26. N/A MoveStrong at Home: A Feasibility Study of a Model for Remote Delivery of Functional Strength and Balance Training Combined With Nutrition Education for Older Pre-frail Adults. Completed
  27. N/A Periprosthetic Bone Mineral Density After Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed Through a Minimally Invasive Anterior Approach (AMIS) With Either an AMIStem or a Quadra Femoral Component Completed
  28. N/A Safety and Efficacy of Gardasil in Females With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)/Seronegative Arthritis Completed
  29. N/A Evaluation of Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy for Pain Relief Following Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) Completed
  30. N/A Energy Dispersive Bracing for Conservative Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Completed
  31. N/A The Health Access and Recovery Peer Program Completed
  32. N/A Connected Healthcare for Individuals Living at Home With Chronic Conditions Completed
  33. N/A I Am Able: Population Based Rehabilitation in a Family Health Team Completed
  34. N/A Phone-Based Based Walk With Ease Program for Adults With Arthritis Completed
  35. N/A Study Comparing Marathon Polyethylene and Enduron Polyethylene Acetabular Liners Used in Total Hip Arthroplasty Completed
  36. N/A Yoga as Self-Care for Arthritis in Minority Communities Completed
  37. N/A Staying Positive With Arthritis Study Completed
  38. N/A Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes With Regional and Multimodal Analgesia Completed
  39. N/A PyroTITAN Humeral Resurfacing Arthroplasty (HRA) Completed
  40. N/A Etanercept (Enbrel) Special Investigation (Regulatory Post Marketing Commitment Plan) Completed
  41. N/A Trial Outcomes for Massage: Caregiver-Assisted vs. Therapist-Treated Completed
  42. N/A Functional Exercise and Nutrition Education Program for Older Adults Completed

Showing the 48 most-cited and recently-updated of 48 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

Arthritis: current evidence & treatments

The current evidence on arthritis encompasses diverse mechanisms and clinical findings across various subtypes. For gout, a narrative review proposes a Two-Hit theoretical framework involving the gut-joint axis and m6A epigenetic modifications, where high uric acid causes bacterial stress and release of outer membrane vesicles that may drive synovial inflammation 1. In osteoarthritis, NF-κB signaling is identified as a central hub integrating mechanical stress, innate immunity, and metabolic cues to promote joint degeneration 2. Additionally, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is implicated in aging-related osteoarthritis and disc degeneration 19, and a systematic review of Dendrobium phenanthrenes notes that only 6.2% of compounds have in vivo evidence for osteoarthritis 22. For knee osteoarthritis, a cohort study found that the Cartilage Thickness Score (CTh-Score) was higher in future cases 5, and a meta-analysis of Wuqinxi exercise showed improvements in joint function 15. An umbrella review suggests curcumin may offer comparable efficacy and better tolerability than NSAIDs for osteoarthritis symptoms 16. In total knee arthroplasty, kinematic alignment was superior to mechanical alignment for function and pain outcomes 9.

For rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a randomized trial found that short-term prednisolone bridging enabled 95% discontinuation after 24 months 4. A meta-analysis reported an increased risk of thyroid cancer in RA patients (HR 1.28) 7, while a narrative review found that most biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs have reassuring malignancy safety, though TNF inhibitors increase non-melanoma skin cancer risk 6. Sleep problems affect 61% of adults with RA in WHO EMRO countries 10. Microbiota-targeted interventions for elderly-onset RA require further investigation 11. A meta-analysis of upadacitinib found similar efficacy for 15 mg and 30 mg doses in RA 18. CD38+ NK cells may link disrupted immune tolerance in RA and colorectal cancer 13. Narrative reviews discuss m6A modification and metabolic reprogramming 23, CD40/CD40L signaling 20, and PAD4-mediated citrullination 21 in RA. For juvenile idiopathic arthritis, stress-induced IL-6 upregulation impairs skeletal growth 3, and a case series of ruxolitinib for systemic juvenile arthritis with macrophage activation syndrome showed improvement 14. In ankylosing spondylitis, a large meta-analysis identified 30 new genetic loci 8. For inflammatory arthritis, a living systematic review found low-certainty evidence that stopping csDMARDs before surgery may increase flare risk 17. Gut microbiome metabolites like short-chain fatty acids and bile acids regulate bone health via multiple pathways 12.

Overall, the evidence highlights the complexity of arthritis pathophysiology and treatment, with emerging roles for epigenetic modifications, microbiome interactions, and personalized surgical approaches. However, many findings are from narrative reviews or studies with limited sample sizes, and further high-quality research is needed to confirm these associations and translate them into clinical practice.

Latest findings

AI-generated synthesis of 22 cited studies, updated Jun 12, 2026. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Long-term personalized exercise therapy shows potential cost-effectiveness for patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Rheumatology RCT
Long-term personalized exercise therapy shows potential cost-effectiveness for patients with axial spondyloarthritis Personalized exercise therapy shows promise for axial spondyloarthritis patients
Researchers evaluated the cost-utility of long-term, personalized exercise therapy compared to usual care in patients with axial spondyloart…
New research looks at whether personalized, long-term exercise programs are a cost-effective way to manage severe axial spondyloarthritis.
Jun 13, 2026
Risk-optimized use of Janus kinase inhibitors in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis depends on comorbidities
Drug Pipeline Sys. Review
Risk-optimized use of Janus kinase inhibitors in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis depends on comorbidities New evidence helps doctors choose safer arthritis treatments for seniors
This narrative review examines the safety and risk profile of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) for rheumatoid arthritis specifically within th…
Doctors are moving toward personalized plans for rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on a patient's specific health risks rather than just their …
Frontiers Jun 13, 2026
Gut-joint axis and m6A epigenetic modifications provide a potential mechanism for gout pathophysiology
Diabetes & Endocrinology Sys. Review
Gut-joint axis and m6A epigenetic modifications provide a potential mechanism for gout pathophysiology New theory links gut health to joint pain in gout
This narrative review explores the gut-joint axis and the role of bacterial outer membrane vesicles in gout. The authors propose a Two-Hit f…
A new theoretical model suggests that bacteria in the gut might play a hidden role in causing inflammation and crystal buildup in gouty join…
Frontiers Jun 9, 2026
NF-κB signaling integrates mechanical stress and immunity in osteoarthritis joint degeneration
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
NF-κB signaling integrates mechanical stress and immunity in osteoarthritis joint degeneration New review reveals how inflammation drives osteoarthritis joint damage
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on NF-κB signaling as a central hub integrating mechanical stress, innate immunity, and metabolic…
A new review explains how mechanical stress, immune signals, and metabolism combine to drive osteoarthritis, pointing to smarter treatments.
Frontiers Jun 7, 2026
Stress-induced IL-6 upregulation impairs skeletal growth and bone health in children with inflammatory diseases
Diabetes & Endocrinology Sys. Review
Stress-induced IL-6 upregulation impairs skeletal growth and bone health in children with inflammatory diseases Stress hormones may harm bone growth in children with inflammatory conditions
This narrative review synthesizes evidence from animal models and pediatric inflammatory disorders showing that stress-induced IL-6 upregula…
A review suggests stress-induced IL-6 upregulation impairs skeletal growth and bone health in kids with inflammatory disorders, highlighting…
Frontiers Jun 6, 2026
Short-term prednisolone bridging enables 95% discontinuation in new rheumatoid arthritis patients after 24 months
Rheumatology RCT
Short-term prednisolone bridging enables 95% discontinuation in new rheumatoid arthritis patients after 24 months Most patients stop steroid use after a short bridge to methotrexate treatment
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 230 patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis naive to disease-modifying antirheumatic dr…
A trial of 230 patients with new rheumatoid arthritis found that most could stop using prednisolone after just seven weeks of short-term bri…
Jun 5, 2026
Biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs show reassuring malignancy safety in inflammatory arthritides, but non-melanoma skin cancer risk rises with TNF inhibitors
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
Biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs show reassuring malignancy safety in inflammatory arthritides, but non-melanoma skin cancer risk rises with TNF inhibitors Biologics for arthritis: Cancer risk appears low overall
This narrative review of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs in immune-mediated inflammatory arthritides finds most therapies have reassu…
Most biologic arthritis drugs don't raise overall cancer risk, but skin cancer risk may be higher with some.
Frontiers Jun 4, 2026
Meta-analysis finds rheumatoid arthritis associated with increased thyroid cancer risk in pooled cohort data
Rheumatology Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis finds rheumatoid arthritis associated with increased thyroid cancer risk in pooled cohort data People with rheumatoid arthritis might have a higher chance of developing thyroid cancer in some groups
This meta-analysis of cohort studies involving 1,970,165 participants found a higher risk of thyroid cancer in rheumatoid arthritis patients…
A large review of nearly two million people found that those with rheumatoid arthritis could have a higher risk of thyroid cancer. This risk…
Frontiers Jun 4, 2026
Cartilage Thickness Score shows higher values in future knee osteoarthritis cases in a cohort study
Radiology & Imaging Cohort
Cartilage Thickness Score shows higher values in future knee osteoarthritis cases in a cohort study New cartilage score predicts knee osteoarthritis onset and progression in study cohorts
This observational cohort study in the Osteoarthritis Initiative found that the Cartilage Thickness Score was higher in individuals who late…
A new cartilage score predicts who will develop knee osteoarthritis or need a replacement before symptoms appear.
medRxiv Jun 4, 2026
Large meta-analysis identifies 30 new genetic loci for ankylosing spondylitis risk
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Large meta-analysis identifies 30 new genetic loci for ankylosing spondylitis risk Scientists found genetic links to ankylosing spondylitis in large health data groups
This meta-analysis of 7,551 AS cases and 1,258,581 controls from three biobanks identified 30 genome-wide significant loci and 64 causal-can…
A big study looked at DNA from many people to find genes linked to ankylosing spondylitis. It found specific spots in our genes that might h…
Frontiers Jun 2, 2026
Kinematic alignment improves function and pain over mechanical alignment in robotic TKA
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Meta-analysis
Kinematic alignment improves function and pain over mechanical alignment in robotic TKA Kinematic alignment beats mechanical in knee replacement
This meta-analysis of 1470 patients undergoing robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty found that kinematic alignment (KA) was superior to …
A new analysis suggests aligning the knee implant to a patient's natural anatomy may lead to less pain and better function after robotic kne…
Jun 1, 2026
Sleep problems affect 61% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis in WHO EMRO countries
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Sleep problems affect 61% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis in WHO EMRO countries Sleep troubles hit 60.9% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the Eastern Mediterranean
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 2,315 adults with rheumatoid arthritis in WHO EMRO countries found sleep-related problems are hi…
Sleep problems affect more than six out of ten adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the Eastern Mediterranean. Depression and pain are the st…
Frontiers May 30, 2026

All Arthritis Articles