Comparing nerve ablation and physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis pain relief

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Physical Therapy With Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Genicular Nerve in Patients With Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis

Not applicable Interventional Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · NCT06173830

This study is testing whether a nerve treatment or physical therapy works better to relieve knee pain for people with chronic osteoarthritis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorAnkara City Hospital Bilkent Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara, Bilkent - Çankaya)
Trial IDNCT06173830 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve compared to conventional physical therapy in alleviating pain and improving functional status in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis. Participants aged 45-70 with stage 2-3 osteoarthritis will be recruited and divided into two groups: one receiving the nerve ablation treatment and the other undergoing physical therapy. The study will assess pain levels and functional outcomes to determine which approach is more beneficial for managing chronic knee pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 45-70 with chronic knee osteoarthritis classified as Kellgren-Lawrence grades 2 and 3.

Not a fit: Patients who have received physical therapy or certain injections for knee osteoarthritis in the past six months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective pain management option for patients suffering from chronic knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with nerve ablation techniques for pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* VAS ≥ 5
* To be aged between 45 and 70 years old
* Patients diagnosed with chronic knee osteoarthritis using the American College of Rheumatology criteria and having radiological osteoarthritis of Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 and 3
* Cognitive functions being intact
* Being willing to participate in the study and signing the consent forms

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having received physical therapy for chronic knee osteoarthritis in the last 6 months
* Having received glucocorticoid or hyaluronic acid injections in the last 6 months
* Having taken oral glucosamine
* Undergoing knee surgery
* Having current neurological or mental disorders
* History of pacemaker usage
* Presence of local infections or sepsis
* Progressive neurological deficit
* Presence of oncological diseases
* Hemorrhagic diathesis or anticoagulation
* Uncontrolled diabetes or other serious internal comorbidities
* Allergy to medications or materials used
* Pregnancy
* Lack of cooperation
* Not willing to participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Bilkent - Çankaya

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Knee Osteoarthritisknee osteoarthritisgenicular nerve blockUltrasoundradiofrequencyChronic pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.